Anything multicultural is a must read for all people. This book, like all of them, expands the country view of where you live to see other perceptions, other cultures, and other beliefs. The Henna Artist is no exception, except where we see the commonalities of cultures such as a caste system and the devastation of what jealousy can do to people.
So a woman has escaped her abusive husband to begin a new life in 1950's India. She is not the elite caste, but she has created a henna business where her interactions with the rich have allowed her to be independent. Until her sister, who she did not know she had, shows up. And then things go south for a myriad of reasons. While the book is set in the 1950's, there are many common issues that resonate for today that involve independence, choice, and what people consider to be acceptable.
I will say I also listened to the book and I am so glad to know how the names were pronounced. I couldn't stay away from the book and listened to it in 2 days. While I wasn't surprised by anything that happened, the layout of the language and characterization made it seem like I was going through all the motions with the people in the book.
Final advice- read the book!!! You won't be disappointed.