The Secret Keeper of Jaipur

Brilliant book following on from her first novel, The Henna Artist

Honestly, with all the hype around the first book, I was not too surprised to like it myself. But, I genuinely never expected for the second part to fare better than the first! Although I am a generous reviewer, I only give five stars to stories which tend to linger long after I'm done with them. This is definitely one of those! I'm so gonna be lost in this perfectly imperfect world created by the author - for a really, really long time, if I may! Unlike the first book - which was more descriptive of the setting, characters, environment, the art and the artists - this book is more progressive in terms of the plot and the turn of events. Also, loved to read the story from multiple POVs - which was again something different from the first book. Inevitably, I was engrossed from the get go. There were a lot (most) of things I loved about it. But, I really have a few complaints - and, not with the author, but with the characters, lol. There are so many amazing Hindi proverbial (translated in English) exchanges in the story - it's amazing. But, what was really disappointing was that this was something personal between Samir and Lakshmi. Couldn't Lakshmi just find some other game for Dr. Kumar and herself! (I know, that's not a real complaint, but I felt it, so!) Coming to Samir: idk what's it about him (or, rather the chemistry between him and Lakshmi) that I just have a smile plastered on my face when I'm reading his parts. There's something really mischievous and charming about him that keeps me wanting to read more of him (and, he's 52 - what's wrong with me, dayum!) To add to all this, both the places mentioned in the story - Rajasthan and Shimla - are really close to my heart. Rajasthan has my Alma Mater of three years, and Shimla - well, I have had the best workation there, while living the life as a local, going around The Mall Road, passing by Bishop Cotton and the amazing mountains, ha. If this was not enough to make me feel home while reading the book what could ever be? Overall, much recommended - no matter what genre fan you are, it's a world absolutely worth living!

Quite often a sequel is a little disappointing if you really enjoyed the first in the series, but this one is maybe even better than the first book. Set partly in Simla as well as Jaipur, and having been to both places I almost felt as if I were in the story too. The plot is gripping and the individual characters are strong and believable. Highly recommended .

“The Secret Keeper of Jaipur”, is the second book in this trilogy and it is even more captivating than the first, it’s pure elegance in written form and the form itself shines like a diamond. The focus in this novel is Malik, the majority of the plot gravitates around him and his newly appointed position in Jaipur, thanks to his mentor and legal guardian Lakshmi who took him under her wing at a very young age, they have such a special connection. The Maharani Latika from the royal palace commissions the construction of a luxurious cinema, and Malik is present on opening night, granted the honor due to his apprenticeship with the palace architects. Tragically, a part of the structure collapses, blame falls to those close to Malik, and when his spider sense tingles, clues of injustice resonates in his soul, he seeks to uncover clues that point to those truly responsible and with Lakshmi at his side he embarks on this mission. Deep dark secrets will surface adding depth to the story. “But you can’t be friends when you’re in love with the same woman.” An important part of this storyline and what brings it together is the relationships between its three main characters. Malik and Nimmi, have similarities in their souls, and they fall hopelessly in love, Lakshmi comes to realize that she must let the young man live his own life, to set him free, which makes the plot appear more driven here, more spiritual. Lakshmi has experienced her calling in life after her marriage to Dr. Jay Kumar. Readers who are interested in learning about Indian culture will find the author includes many interesting tidbits that will add to their knowledge surrounding this unique culture. The imagery is vivid and the journey of the characters is incredibly intriguing. The perspective narrative of the main characters runs smoothly, the reader will feel a connection to each of them, they will totally captivate you.

Rounded up to 4 stars. As I was a big fan of “The Henna Artist”, which will be adapted for a TV series, I was super excited when I heard of the release of this follow up and that a third book is also planned to complete a trilogy. This book did not engage me like the first one. During the first 20% I was (most of the time) bored. I even stopped reading it and started a different book because I had lost interest. Then I picked a second book and I stopped at 24% because I was feeling guilty for not finishing this book. Originally I obtained a copy from the library, but at the end I purchased a hard copy, to give me some motivation and also because the cover is gorgeous (the disadvantage of ebooks is that the cover will likely change, especially when it becomes a TV show or a movie. I already can see Freida Pinto all over the front page). Anyways… back to the book. I did enjoy the writing, the 3 POV and the plot. This is a plot-driven story that happens 12 years after where The Henna Artist ended, and I what I missed the most was the characters’ development, which was very strong in the first book and where I felt connected with them. This one offers less drama and more mystery. It did take some time to win my heart, and I’m glad that I decided to finish it. The conclusion was nice but too easy. Overall I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading the 3rd book and watching the TV series, once released.