{Book love} Henna for the Broken-Hearted

When I first heard about Henna for the Broken-Hearted by Australian author Sharell Cook I immediately knew it would be right up my Asia-loving alley. A traveller turned expat finds new love and her life’s calling (writing) in mystical, magical India. A place I have travelled around and grappled with and would love to give another chance some day.

Sharell’s story is an inspiring one. At age 30 her marriage falls apart and she has a less then enthralling accounting career. A volunteer stint in Kolkata and subsequent travels around India combined with meeting soulmate Aryan lead to a life rejuvenated. She now lives in Mumbai and blogs at Diary of a White Indian Housewife (which I’m madly trawling through the archives of to catch up with), as well as writes professionally. Oh, and is now married to Aryan!

Though Sharell’s story is far more dramatic (and dare I say interesting) than my own, parts of her story really resonated with me and my own experiences living in Asia and searching for meaning. I had the love bit sorted already(!) but also realised my true passion (writing) while living in Cambodia, meanwhile grappling with cultural differences and all the ups and downs of living in a developing country

I found at the end of Henna for the Broken-Hearted I wanted to know more…what happened next? What other obstacles did the author face? What other uniquely Indian things were encountered? I love this genre of book and will happily take any recommendations for others like it!

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8 Responses

  1. Kristina March 9, 2012 / 12:15 pm

    Sounds like a great book, thanks for introducing πŸ™‚

  2. devoured March 9, 2012 / 1:06 pm

    No prob Kristina! Fingers crossed for the job opportunity!

  3. Sharell March 9, 2012 / 2:34 pm

    Thanks so much for this lovely write-up. It’s really appreciated. I’m glad you enjoyed the book. It’s also wonderful to be in touch with you. I can’t wait to read about your experiences. Your blog looks interesting (and beautiful header too)! πŸ™‚

  4. devoured March 9, 2012 / 3:09 pm

    So nice to hear from you Sharell! I’m just so glad I found your book – it was just what I’ve been looking for. I actually keep thinking about India at the moment, I’d really like to go back. It infuriated me so much at the time (I was 25) so I like to think I’d see it through different eyes now! Anyway, will definitely be following your blog for updates and inspiration!

  5. eva i Aten March 12, 2012 / 2:32 am

    The book seems very good, it looks so nice also!
    β™₯β™₯β™₯

  6. devoured March 15, 2012 / 12:23 pm

    Hi Eva – it does! I’m always a sucker for a beautiful cover. Hope Greece is treating you well!

  7. mina March 30, 2012 / 3:29 pm

    This kinda just sounds like a reinterpretation of Eat, Pray, Love.

  8. devoured March 31, 2012 / 7:23 pm

    Hi Mina – I promise it’s not! I mean, I guess it sounds like that (30 something on a journey post breakup) but its not angsty like Eat Pray Love, and more about the author grappling with being part of a new culture than just trying to find herself.

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