Alka

Joshi

New York Times Best Selling Author

Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Travels from: Pacific Grove, CA

“Eloquent debut…moving… Joshi masterfully balances a yearning for self-discovery with the need for familial love.” – Publishers Weekly

Alka Joshi is the internationally bestselling author of the Jaipur Trilogy: The Henna Artist, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur and The Perfumist of Paris. Her debut novel, The Henna Artist, immediately became a New York Times bestseller and a Reese Witherspoon Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick. It has been translated into 28 languages and is currently in development at Netflix as an episodic series. Her upcoming book Six Days in Bombay (April 2025), is a sweeping novel of identity and self-discovery that takes readers from Bombay to Prague, Florence, Paris and London, to uncover the mystery behind a famous painter’s death.

Born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, Alka Joshi has lived in the U.S. since the age of nine. Joshi graduated with a BA from Stanford University and worked in the fields of advertising and PR before starting her own marketing consultancy. In 2011, she obtained her MFA in Creative Writing from the California College of Arts in San Francisco, California. She lives on the Monterey Peninsula with her husband and Coco, the misbehaving pup.

Alka's Featured Titles

Six Days in Bombay

MIRA |

April 15, 2025

Historical Fiction

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist, this sweeping novel of identity and self-discovery takes readers from Bombay to Prague, Florence, Paris and London, to uncover the mystery behind a famous painter’s death.

When renowned painter Mira Novak arrives at Wadia hospital in Bombay after a miscarriage, she’s expected to make a quick recovery, and Sona is excited to spend time with the worldly woman who shares her half-Indian identity, even if that’s where their similarities end. Sona is enraptured by Mira’s stories of her travels and shocked by accounts of the many lovers she’s left scattered through Europe. Over the course of a week, Mira befriends Sona, seeing in her something bigger than the small life she’s living with her mother. Mira is released from the hospital just in time to attend a lavish engagement party with all of Bombay society and invites Sona along. But the next day, Mira is readmitted to the hospital in worse condition than before, and when she dies under mysterious circumstances, Sona immediately falls under suspicion.

Before leaving the hospital in disgrace, Sona is given a note Mira left for her, along with her four favorite paintings. But how could she have known to leave a note if she didn’t know she was going to die? The note sends Sona on a mission to deliver three of the paintings—the first to Petra, Mira’s childhood friend and first love in Prague; the second to her art dealer Josephine in Paris; the third to her first painting tutor, Paolo, with whom both Mira and her mother had affairs. As Sona uncovers Mira’s history, she learns that the charming facade she’d come to know was only one part of a complicated and sometimes cruel woman. But can she discover what really happened to Mira and exonerate herself?

Along the way, Sona also comes to terms with her own complex history and the English father who deserted her and her mother in India so many years ago. In the end, she’ll discover that we are all made up of pieces, and only by seeing the world do we learn to see ourselves.

BIPOC Representation, Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thriller

The Perfumist Of Paris

Mira Books |

March 28, 2023

Fiction

“A stunning portrait of a woman blossoming into her full power…this is Alka Joshi’s best book yet ” –Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye

From the author of Reese’s Book Club Pick The Henna Artist, the final chapter in Alka Joshi’s New York Times bestselling Jaipur trilogy takes readers to 1970s Paris, where Radha’s budding career as a perfumer must compete with the demands of her family and the secrets of her past.

Paris, 1974. Radha is now living in Paris with her husband, Pierre, and their two daughters. She still grieves for the baby boy she gave up years ago, when she was only a child herself, but she loves being a mother to her daughters, and she’s finally found her passion–the treasure trove of scents.

She has an exciting and challenging position working for a master perfumer, helping to design completely new fragrances for clients and building her career one scent at a time. She only wishes Pierre could understand her need to work. She feels his frustration, but she can’t give up this thing that drives her.

Tasked with her first major project, Radha travels to India, where she enlists the help of her sister, Lakshmi, and the courtesans of Agra–women who use the power of fragrance to seduce, tease and entice. She’s on the cusp of a breakthrough when she finds out the son she never told her husband about is heading to Paris to find her–upending her carefully managed world and threatening to destroy a vulnerable marriage.

Bestseller, BIPOC Representation, Fiction, Mystery & Thriller

The Secret Keeper Of Jaipur

Mira Books |

June 22, 2021

Fiction

A NEW NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF THE HENNA ARTIST, A REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK

Good Morning America’s “27 Books for June”

PopSugar’s Best Summer Reads of 2021

In New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi’s intriguing new novel, henna artist Lakshmi arranges for her prot g , Malik, to intern at the Jaipur Palace in this tale rich in character, atmosphere, and lavish storytelling.

It’s the spring of 1969, and Lakshmi, now married to Dr. Jay Kumar, directs the Healing Garden in Shimla. Malik has finished his private school education. At twenty, he has just met a young woman named Nimmi when he leaves to apprentice at the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace. Their latest project: a state-of-the-art cinema.

Malik soon finds that not much has changed as he navigates the Pink City of his childhood. Power and money still move seamlessly among the wealthy class, and favors flow from Jaipur’s Royal Palace, but only if certain secrets remain buried. When the cinema’s balcony tragically collapses on opening night, blame is placed where it is convenient. But Malik suspects something far darker and sets out to uncover the truth. As a former street child, he always knew to keep his own counsel; it’s a lesson that will serve him as he untangles a web of lies.

“Captivated me from the first chapter to the last page.” –Reese Witherspoon on The Henna Artist

Don’t miss THE PERFUMIST OF PARIS The final chapter in Alka Joshi’s New York Timesbestselling Jaipur trilogy

BIPOC Representation, Fiction, Mystery & Thriller

The Henna Artist: A Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Mira Books |

March 3, 2020

Fiction

A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER

A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK

“Captivated me from the first chapter to the final page.”–Reese Witherspoon

Vivid and compelling in its portrait of one woman’s struggle for fulfillment in a society pivoting between the traditional and the modern, The Henna Artist opens a door into a world that is at once lush and fascinating, stark and cruel.

Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist–and confidante–to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own…

Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation and her livelihood. As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down these many years later with a high-spirited young girl in tow–a sister Lakshmi never knew she had. Suddenly the caution that she has carefully cultivated as protection is threatened. Still she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those that surround her as she does.

“Eloquent and moving…Joshi masterfully balances a yearning for self-discovery with the need for familial love.”–Publishers Weekly

Look for The Secret Keeper of Jaipur and The Perfumist of Paris from New York Timesbestselling author Alka Joshi

Bestseller, Class & Economic Inequality, Fiction, Mystery & Thriller

Women's History Month

AAPI Month

Mother's Day

Holi/Diwali/Indian Indépendance (Indian Holidays)

My Second Act at 62

Women's Empowerment

Writing Process for Aspiring Writers and How Writing a Novel Can Change History

My 10-Year Journey to Overnight Bestseller

Why Historical fiction is Synonymous with Women's Empowerment

My Immigrant Story and How it Influenced My Writing

“Alka was absolutely wonderful! She was engaging, personable, and everything we could have hoped for as our 2024 All Pueblo Reads author. Alka made an effort to mingle with guests during cocktail hour and even signed books for a group of local university students. During the book signing, she took the time to connect with each guest, patiently posing for countless photos despite the long line. We felt truly honored to host Alka in Pueblo and to hear her captivating stories. Many guests shared that this was their favorite All Pueblo Reads event yet! The way she brought a touch of India to our community and shared its culture received fantastic feedback, as everyone loved learning more about Indian traditions.” — Pueblo City-County Library District, 2024

“Alka Joshi’s author talk was a truly remarkable experience. Her personal insights into the writing and publishing process provided invaluable perspectives. Joshi captivated the audience with rich cultural and historical details from her Jaipur Trilogy, skillfully blending her extensive research with her unique experiences as a South Asian woman navigating both India and America. What truly distinguished her talk was her graciousness and accessibility. Joshi engaged with attendees in a warm, personal manner, making everyone feel valued and connected. Her presence and approachability made the talk not only informative but also deeply inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.” — East Baton Rouge Parish Library, 2024

“Alka Joshi, is a generous speaker and wonderful storyteller. I think her personal growth experiences regarding her own life and those of her characters resonates with our readers.” — Henderson District Public Libraries, 2024

“Alka’s warmth and enthusiasm were evident throughout the event, making the presentation and book signing both informative and enjoyable for all attendees.” — Thousand Oaks Library, 2024

“Alka was a great author to work with. She is super friendly and always ready to meet her fans.” — Palos Verdes Library District, 2024

“From the moment she arrived, Alka was a delight! It was a busy day with a press conference, VIP reception, keynote presentation and an hour+ of book signing after and her energy never wavered. She seemed genuinely excited to be there and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with her. Our guests were blown away and impressed by her story of perseverance! I would highly recommend Alka to anyone looking for a speaker!” — John Cooper School, 2023

“I featured Alka Joshi and The Henna Artist for my Stanford Continuing Studies Course: A Book’s Journey. I’m absolutely impressed by Alka as an author, a savvy marketer, and an engaging speaker. The course included Alka discussing her journey to bestseller status, presentations by her agent, her marketing and publicity team, and the HarperCollins art department. Her publishing team loved what a willing and valuable partner she is to their efforts to put her books in the hands of readers. Students raved about Alka’s presentation, stating that her journey inspired them to pursue their dreams of becoming a writer at any age. Alka is that rare combination of author and dynamic speaker that every publisher dreams of; I’d gladly have her back to talk to other aspiring writer.” — Heather Lazare, Editorial and Publishing Consultant

“Thank you so much, Alka! I really was not exaggerating when I said your panel was probably the best panel we have ever had. Thank you so much for joining us and I cannot wait to read all of your upcoming books!” — 2023 Southern Voices Festival-Carrie Steinmehl, Festival Chair

“The audience LOVED your keynote. I know you may have not been able to hear the audiences’ reactions, but people were incredibly impressed by your story. The room was filled with laughs, a lot of clapping, and overall awe. You are such an inspiration, and as a South Asian immigrant myself, your words really resonated with me personally. Thank you again for joining us Saturday and fitting us into your busy schedule. We look forward to reading your next book and seeing the development of the TV adaptation.” — Haas School of Business: Women In Leadership 2023, Aahana Sahai

“Thank you so much for your time this past weekend! It was such a pleasure having you at this year’s Southwest Florida Reading Festival. I was so pleased that you had such a great attendance at your library branch event as well as the festival stage presentation. The bookstore manager told me there were only 2 of your books left at the end of the festival!” — Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Melissa Baker

“That was just a superb conversation, and you had me grinning ear to ear by the end. Alka, it has been our pleasure! I heartily second everything Angie shared about your generosity and warmth with readers, and I cannot wait to have you in person at Kepler’s. Count us in for galleys of book 3, and thank you so much for sharing your time with us tonight.” — Keplers Literary Foundation, Amber Clark

“The girls are still talking about you and several of them have purchased your book and convinced their grandmothers and mothers to read your book as well. You changed some lives today and opened up a new world for others. Thank you for inspiring them to read, for helping them to think outside their everyday life and imagine the possibilities!” — Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, Cheryl Reynolds

“Thank you so much for your wonderful talk! You were just so down to earth and offered real advice and wisdom to those of us who dream of making it in this hard profession! We were walking on clouds after your presentation. It was just so wonderful to hear from you.” — Redwood Writers, Crissi Langwell

“After a truly invigorating speech about her 3Ps, Passion, Patience and Perseverance, Alka spoke passionately on the topic of gender equality as she answered questions from our team. It was an honor to have her share her stories with us, built from experiences of inequality and her personal heroines. She has developed a way to tell the world how important and inspirational women throughout history can and have been.” — Celegence Global / International Women’s Day, Sonia Veluchamy

“What an absolute joy to speak with you today – thank you for taking your valuable time to tell your story. It was a wonderful highlight to my year! We’d be happy to recommend you through Innovators Chat for speaking engagements, people would be lucky to hear from you.” — VMLY&R/Women’s History Month CMO Podcast, Beth Wade

“What an exhilarating session with bestselling author, Alka Joshi, as part of our VMLY&R Women’s History Month celebration. Alka is the bestselling author of the “Jaipur Trilogy” including the well-known “The Henna Artist,” which has been translated into 26 languages around the world! We hosted Alka today because, not only do we love her books, but for the prevailing themes contained throughout her writing that are extremely relevant: gender bias, cultural norms on gender roles, reproductive health and rights, and women empowerment. Thank you, Alka, for sharing your journey with us!” — VMLY&R/ Women’s History Month, Kiran Chaudhry Lenz

“Alka, it’s beyond me to tell you what a joy you are. I’ve interviewed hundreds of people – maybe into four figures now – and you’re such a standout with your enthusiasm, the depth and breadth of your answers, your generosity – so willing to go down random alleyways and have some fun there. Any interviewer would be lucky to work with you once, let alone twice. I’ve already told – not asked, but told – Jean and Amber that I’m your partner for the next one. Take care, you lovely woman, and I can’t wait for book three!” — This Is Now, Keplers Literary Foundation, Angie Coiro

“Just wanted to say a huge thank you again for such an inspiring and captivating session! We felt as if we lived the Henna Artist journey with you and great to have takeaways for such a diverse audience. I’m immensely grateful to have worked with you the last few months towards this session, and hope to continue to keep in touch.” — GSK Global, Harini Murali

“Captivated me from the first chapter to the final page.” — Reese Witherspoon

“Eloquent and moving…Joshi masterfully balances a yearning for self-discovery with the need for familial love.” — Publishers Weekly

“Rich in detail and bright with tastes and textures, The Henna Artist is a fabulous glimpse into Indian culture of the 1950s.” — Bookpage, Starred Review

Alka’s Events

Perfume Party Recipe

Alka’s Youtube Channel

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Instant New York Times Bestseller
Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize
LA Times Bestseller
USA Today Bestseller
Toronto Star Bestseller
Globe & Mail Bestseller
Indie Bookstores Bestseller
Publishers Weekly Bestseller
Amazon Summer 2020 Readers Pick
Goodreads Finalist Choice Awards 2020: Best Debut Novel & Best Historical Fiction
Indigo 10 Best Books of 2020
HCC Spring 2020 Fan Choice Winner