Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (Vintage International) Paperback – 1 Feb. 2001

The past is a stinky place. Within a few paragraphs Suskind conjures up a sense of 18th century France that is completely sensuous in that you can smell it as well as visualise it as you read. I loved this book and I liked Grenouille, the main character because although he's unlikeable in many ways (ugly, rough around the edges, just plain weird so that even as a baby other children try to kill him) he's a survivor, plays the game to get what he wants and actually knows what he wants. Plus he has this extraordinary expertise with scents and smells that makes him something special. Although grim in parts, there's a black humour that never drags the story into abject misery, for instance everyone who has made Grenouille's life hell gets their come-uppance in a dark, fatalistic but comical way. One Amazon reviewer wondered what the point of it all was and I got so caught up in Grenouille's story that I didn't look for anything deeper. But maybe that's it - he thought he knew what he wanted but when he got it it wasn't all he hoped it would be. Which is like life anyway, isn't it? The quest for something perfect that turns out to be not so great. I imagined Matt Smith from Dr Who as Grenouille as I read this, if anyone's thinking of remaking the book for tv...

Patrick Süskind's "Perfume" is a captivating and provocative journey through the senses, entwined with darkness and obsession. Set in 18th-century France, this novel delves into the life of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a fascinating yet disturbing protagonist with an extraordinary olfactory gift.The narrative weaves a tale that's both enchanting and disturbing, exploring Grenouille's quest for the perfect scent and his disturbing methods to achieve it. Süskind's vivid and evocative prose invites readers into a world where fragrances become tangible, almost palpable, transporting them to the vibrant streets and intriguing atmospheres of historic Paris.Grenouille's character is brilliantly complex, eliciting a range of emotions from fascination to repulsion. Süskind skillfully crafts a character whose singular pursuit of perfection in scent becomes an obsession, blurring the lines between genius and madness.The novel delves unflinchingly into the darker aspects of humanity, exploring themes of obsession, power, and the fragility of identity. Süskind's ability to paint scenes with scent, evoking emotions and atmospheres through olfactory descriptions, is unparalleled, creating a haunting and immersive reading experience.However, some readers might find certain scenes uncomfortable or unsettling due to the explicit and dark themes portrayed in the story.In conclusion, "Perfume" is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Süskind's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions of scent make this a unique and memorable read, albeit one that navigates the darker corners of human nature, challenging readers' perceptions and leaving an indelible mark on their literary sensibilities.

This is an extraordinary book, unlike anything I have read before. It shouldn’t be surprising that a book called Perfume so successful immerses the reader in odour. This is a book that swoons and a book that stinks. It is a book that you must read if you are a writer, as a reminder that every sense can be used enslave a reader. It calls itself the story of a murderer, but the journey as to why and how he kills is so evocative and sensual that it is quite different from any murderous tale you’ve read since Sweeny Todd.Most of the problems you’ll have with this book are if you fail to embrace that it is a fantasy – or, perhaps, a fable. The author does nothing to hide it. From Grenouille’s super (or sub) human powers through a series of utterly implausible events this is a book entirely engaged in magical reality. But Suskind’s recreation of 18th century France feels so real that as events become extreme we can’t help but feel a certain shock, to the point that the book’s fabulous climax can actually feel unsatisfactory because it steps too far from the realism we have fooled ourselves into accepting. Suskind has done his job too well.So, embrace the fantasy. This is not a story of the real world. It is Grenouille’s world. Breath in deep. Take in the smell. Go where Suskind takes you. It is worth the ride.