‘The Secret Keeper of Jaipur’ by Alka Joshi is the second part of a planned trilogy but it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the first book, ‘The Henna Artist’. Though Lakshmi, the protagonist of The Henna Artist, is an integral part of the story, not knowing what happened to her previously doesn’t spoil things. Instead, it keeps you guessing and trying to put the pieces together based on little flashbacks the author has interspersed throughout the book.

It’s a fun, engaging read. The two different settings—Jaipur and Shimla—are such a stark contrast that you find yourself thrust from one world to another quite frequently. But it’s not at all jarring. Joshi is such a master storyteller that she pulls it off with ease. Set 12 years after The Henna Artist, Lakshmi is married to Dr Jay Kumar and living in the Himalayan foothills of Shimla. Malik, who makes his appearance in the first novel, is living under Lakshmi’s guardianship and he falls for Nimmi, a young, widowed mother of two. Just as their relationship starts to deepen, Lakshmi sends Malik to Jaipur to understand the construction business from her old friend Manu Agarwal, who is the facilities director at a Jaipur palace. When the Royal Jewel Cinema, the palace’s grand construction project, collapses during the opening night, killing and injuring dozens of moviegoers, chaos ensues. Lakshmi goes to Jaipur to see if she can be of any help, only to discover Manu is being blamed for the fiasco. Then Malik uncovers secrets that could potentially salvage Manu’s career and, together with Lakshmi, fights to save him. Besides this main plot, there is another subplot involving Nimmi and her tribe that is a good, refreshing diversion from all the glamor and glitter of Jaipur.

Also read: ‘The Secret Keeper of Jaipur’ book review: Slow and sweet 

The story is slow but that doesn’t mean it’s boring as we often tend to equate the two. Joshi’s writing is so detailed that it sucks you right in. You are captivated by the scenes and characters’ behaviors and actions. Every character is so wonderfully written that they come alive right before you. You can clearly imagine their expressions and gestures. It’s a really comforting, beautiful read that way—the story and scenes are all that are in your head. Lakshmi and Malik are likeable characters that quickly worm their way into your heart. The other characters, all with their own secrets to protect, are fascinating to get to know as well. You are torn between who’s right and who’s wrong and the shifting loyalties is a tricky emotion to navigate. All in all, it makes The Secret Keeper of Jaipur a fascinating and enriching read.

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur

Four stars
Fiction
Alka Joshi
Published: 2021
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 330, Paperback