Description

Acclaimed author Alka Joshi—known for her bestseller, The Henna Artist—returns with a captivating standalone novel that combines a vivid travelogue with a compelling exploration of identity, mystery, and self-discovery.

Set against the backdrop of 1930s Europe and Bombay, this enthralling story begins with celebrated painter Mira Novak’s arrival at Bombay’s Wadia Hospital after suffering a miscarriage. Her nurse, Sona, who shares a similar half-Indian heritage, is fascinated by the vibrant, worldly artist and her colorful stories of travels and romances across Prague, Florence, Paris, and London.

When Mira unexpectedly passes away under mysterious circumstances, suspicion quickly turns toward Sona, dramatically upending her quiet life. To clear her own name, Sona is soon drawn into a compelling journey, guided only by a cryptic message and four intriguing paintings left behind by Mira. Traveling through Europe, now on the brink of war, Sona encounters Mira’s former friends and lovers and begins to unravel the hidden truths behind the glamorous artist’s public persona.

Inspired by the intriguing life and legacy of painter Amrita Sher-Gil, often referred to as India’s own Frida Kahlo, Joshi’s captivating narrative challenges readers to question just how far they might travel to uncover their true identity and where they truly belong. Fans of Joshi’s celebrated Jaipur Trilogy—including The Henna Artist, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, and The Perfumist of Paris—as well as new readers, will delight in this beautifully crafted journey filled with unforgettable characters, evocative settings, and powerful insights into what it means to truly know oneself.