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Will Byrnes's Reviews > Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
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by
In 18th Century France a baby is born who lacks any scent. He does, however, have a deep and strong survival urge. Although he is treated as a pariah by many for his condition, he possesses a parallel condition, a heightened sensitivity to aroma. It is his quest to experience life through smell, and he does so. He is also a cold-hearted sociopath who seizes opportunities where he can to advance his particular desires. It ends badly for him, but that is a good thing.
The author
This is a very interesting book. I was rapt. Until I was done it was an unhappy thing to have to put it down unfinished, due to interruptions like work, sleep and eating. Thankfully I was able to complete it. Perfume is an odd story, perhaps, but also very interesting, providing some payload in depictions of 18th Century Europe and information about aroma in general and perfumery in particular. Much recommended but not for all tastes...or olfactory receptors.
The author
This is a very interesting book. I was rapt. Until I was done it was an unhappy thing to have to put it down unfinished, due to interruptions like work, sleep and eating. Thankfully I was able to complete it. Perfume is an odd story, perhaps, but also very interesting, providing some payload in depictions of 18th Century Europe and information about aroma in general and perfumery in particular. Much recommended but not for all tastes...or olfactory receptors.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
April 1, 2005
–
Finished Reading
November 1, 2008
– Shelved
Comments Showing 1-39 of 39 (39 new)
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by
Lily
(new)
Aug 15, 2014 09:34PM
I really want to read this. Sounds like a good read.
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I loved this book!
I saw the movie and loved it, so the book might be interesting for me too! Good review!
Hmmm I've been intrigued by this book for a year or so. I have put it off until spooky month, which is just around the corner. How would you describe the writing style (detailed? plot driven? character driven? 19th century style? modern and contemporary)? Can you think of anyone who writes in a similar way? many thanks!
I read this book years ago and it's uber-creepy originality has stayed with me. A one-of-a-kind page turner!
This is one of my favorite books. I do not dare to reread it, too afraid to not have the same experience as when I first read it. It was like I could smell, taste and feel all that happened in the book.
I read this when I was 13 and it frightened me terribly.
This book is bonkers. The ending had me like😱
Very nice review, Will. A special book indeed. In fact, an unforgetable story!
I had seen the movie when I was a teenager and found it quite disturbing.
Hanneke wrote: "Very nice review, Will. A special book indeed. In fact, an unforgetable story!"Thanks, H. It certainly does stand out.
Radwa wrote: "I had seen the movie when I was a teenager and found it quite disturbing."I have not managed to see the film.
OOOMMMMMMMGGGGGGGG I love this book. I've been wanting to re-read it. Great review 💖
Thanks, Leslie. I have not yet seen the film, but hope to, eventually
Maybe stick to Disney?
I read this book because I watched the documentary of the tragic life and death of Alexander MacQueen. It is said that he carried this book with him. I wish he never read it nor found anything to relate to in it. It could only have made his tortured life more cruel and empty. God bless him
🙁
Did you know this was Kurt Cobain's favorite novel?
I feel like I have accomplished a great passing on of knowledge.
Passing on may not be the best choice of terms, considering
Yep
Nice honest review Will. I read this many years ago when I was a totally different person. I disliked it intensely. I may take another look at it.
I loved this one Many years ago, glad to hear it keeps it’s appeal
Glenda wrote: "Nice honest review Will. I read this many years ago when I was a totally different person. I disliked it intensely. I may take another look at it."Thanks, Glenda
Perfume is very much an Odd story
But it doesn’t end badly for him! It ends exactly how he wanted it to, he douses himself in the scent knowing people will be unable to control themselves and maul him�
