As Henna Artist my self, this book speaks to my soul. Alka writing got me complete absorbed in Lakshmi's world. The colors and textures that my imagination reach are incredible... I even imagine smells! it makes me feel that I already know those towns in India. As far as it sounds 1950 is just 70 years ago and some of the women issues, very tactile in this book, are current. This is a beautiful portrait of a successful woman. Gives me hope in humanity. Margarita.