Survivor, genius, perfumer, killer: this is Jean-Baptiste Grenouille. He is abandoned on the filthy streets as a child, but grows up to discover, he has an extraordinary gift: a sense of smell more powerful than any other human's. Soon, he is creating the most sublime fragrances in Paris. Yet there is one odour he cannot capture. It is exquisite, magical: the scent of a young virgin. And to get it, he must kill. And kill. And kill.
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Survivor, genius, perfumer, killer: this is Jean-Baptiste Grenouille. He is abandoned on the filthy streets as a child, but grows up to discover, he has an extraordinary gift: a sense of smell more powerful than any other human's. Soon, he is creating the most sublime fragrances in Paris. Yet there is one odour he cannot capture. It is exquisite, magical: the scent of a young virgin. And to get it, he must kill. And kill. And kill.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine.
I read some reviews of this book before buying it and did not really know how it was going to read. I found it hard to get through the first chapter, and read the remainder over several days. The story was fascinating and unlike anything else I had read. Once I got about a quarter through I was amazed by the author's ability to describe the protagonist.who is a very strange person. It's almost like science fiction - another universe. I am going to re-read it since it was so full of interesting characters, locations and a description of France in the 19th century. Fascinating unusual book. Cannot imagine how the author thought of this tale.
ohrenberg@gmail.com
Oct 30, 2007
Read This Book
Perfume is brought to life by a powerfull narrative crafted by Suskind. Never before have smells been described so deftly. The reader becomes intimately involved in the life of Jean-babtist, set in 18th century france this books does not read like a boring historical drama. Perfume is a refreshing tale about of all things a serial killer. Dont take my word for it go read it yourself
ewag
Sep 20, 2007
eclectic
very bizzare, and set back centuries. Keeps you on your toes, and you want to know what will happen next. surprising ending.
daughter2
Aug 21, 2007
Haven't seen the movie, glad I read the book!
We experience our world with all of our senses, at times one sense being stronger than another, as we take in our environment. But our character, Jean-Baptiste, experiences his world through his sense of smell. He trolls his world in search of the perfect scent. The author's descriptions are so tangible! The scents of Paris are so unpleasant, almost to the point of unbearable, that you may well find yourself repulsed and gagging as you read. Yet, when we are taken into the perfumeries of Paris and Grasse our entire experience is transformed into a world of beauty, fragrant like the flowers and citrus Jean-Baptiste uses in the art of perfume-making! But then again we are pulled down into the dark place that is Jean-Baptiste's soul. . .or lack of one? The ending is superb! Totally unexpected! It is almost like a. . .well, I'll leave you to interpret it for yourself.
