The Secret Keeper of Jaipur

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.

Book club questions for The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

Do you think Lakshmi does the right thing by asking Malik to go to Jaipur and learn the construction trade? Could she have found another way to keep Malik out of trouble?

What makes Malik such a likeable character? What three things do you think a great book character needs to make readers fall in love with him/her?

In what ways has Malik transformed from the grubby street urchin he used to be? Has he changed from the outside or the inside, or both?

Could Nimmi have done something to keep Malik from leaving Shimla? Ultimately, do you think it was good for them to be apart? Does Nimmi learn anything about herself as a result of their separation?

How are Nimmi and Lakshmi different? How are they similar?

What do you think Malik learns about himself and his place in the world of the Singhs? What are the class differences between him and the Singhs? How do those differences manifest themselves?

What secrets is Malik privy to? What makes him keep those secrets to himself?

How does Lakshmi use her influence with the Maharanis to help Manu? Do you feel she’s manipulating a volatile situation or strategically deflecting it?

What kind of power do the Maharanis wield? What are the limitations to their power?

Is Sheela making a play for Malik or is she merely flirting? What is her motive for either? Does she betray him on purpose or inadvertently?

Lakshmi and Jay trade proverbs playfully. Do they resonate with you or remind you of sayings from your own upbringing?

What do you learn about the significance of gold in Indian culture, especially as it relates to married women? In your own family, what do gold or precious metals signify?

The book is set in the late 1960s. What does it showcase about life at that time of India’s history? Does it reinforce or change any of your assumptions about India?

In the end, Ravi is not penalized for his part in a criminal endeavor. What did that signal to you as a reader? Do the wealthy ever pay for their transgressions?

Why does Radha refuse to learn anything about Niki’s life? Do you think there will ever be a time when she’s ready to know more?

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the The Secret Keeper of Jaipur discussion questions

“An engaging and powerful story.” —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris

“With lush details, a return to favorite characters, and emotional complexity, this story satisfies on every level.” —Library Journal, Starred Review

“I was completely mesmerized by The Secret Keeper of Jaipur and could not put it down! It touched my heart and it will stay with me for a long time.” —Christy Lefteri, award-winning author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo.