Scan barcode
brookesbookstagram's review against another edition
4.0
The Perfumist of Paris is the third installment following along in this Jaipur triology. This last book follows Radha, who is now 32 and settled in Paris with her husband and their two children.
I absolutely loved the full circle of all these books, and to have the opportunity to learn more about Radha. I felt most connected to her story, as the storyline had me sucked in from the beginning. As per usual Alka Joshi's ability to paint the landscape with her beautiful writing, showing the sights and sounds of both France and India. I loved that Radha is a perfumist, and this added a new dimension in my reading I had never experienced before, smell! Attempting to consider what these scents would smell like created a whole new layer, which I enjoyed immensly.
I again enjoy the inner monologue of the characters, and the ability to also see returning characters from the last two books and see them beautifully interwoven together.
I feel so humbled to have been on this journey with Lakshni, Malik and Radha. I feel very bittersweet to say goodbye to this series and know that my time with these characters are over. I can't wait to read them all over again in the future and relive these wonderful stories.
I absolutely loved the full circle of all these books, and to have the opportunity to learn more about Radha. I felt most connected to her story, as the storyline had me sucked in from the beginning. As per usual Alka Joshi's ability to paint the landscape with her beautiful writing, showing the sights and sounds of both France and India. I loved that Radha is a perfumist, and this added a new dimension in my reading I had never experienced before, smell! Attempting to consider what these scents would smell like created a whole new layer, which I enjoyed immensly.
I again enjoy the inner monologue of the characters, and the ability to also see returning characters from the last two books and see them beautifully interwoven together.
I feel so humbled to have been on this journey with Lakshni, Malik and Radha. I feel very bittersweet to say goodbye to this series and know that my time with these characters are over. I can't wait to read them all over again in the future and relive these wonderful stories.
muirk128's review against another edition
3.0
Wasn't overly wowed but enjoyed seeing familiar characters again and liked the descriptions of scents
eeamiller's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sim_4520's review against another edition
4.0
This is another beautiful book in this trilogy. This showcases the life of Radha, with her job as a perfumist, living with her 2 daughters and a loving husband.
She faces the difficulties most working women face, in choosing between her family and work. Despite not having a chemistry degree, Radha is now a lab assistant to Delphine Silberman, a master perfumer at the House of Yves, in Paris, and rising the ranks much to the chagrin of her husband who would prefer that she would be happy being a “stay at home” wife and mother.
She has come a long way from the lost 13-year-old we met in book one, full of regrets and sorrow and the trilogy comes full circle as she tries to balance her love for her career with her love of being a mother.
Her first major project will take her home to India searching for the perfect scent for a special client, just as a secret from her Past, will arrive in Paris, making her confront all of the things she thought could remain buried.
As much as she tries to run from her past, things unfold at the most unexpected moments in Radha's life.
We get to see a glimpse of Laxmi and Malik's life in this story as well, which is quite good to see. In the end, they all got a happy ending settled in their lives.
The thing I like most about Alka Joshi's book is how she beautifully brings out the culture of India, which most Indians might not be aware of. she highlights the feelings of women for whatever we are facing in society and how it is impacting us perfectly.
Overall I like reading the trilogy.
She faces the difficulties most working women face, in choosing between her family and work. Despite not having a chemistry degree, Radha is now a lab assistant to Delphine Silberman, a master perfumer at the House of Yves, in Paris, and rising the ranks much to the chagrin of her husband who would prefer that she would be happy being a “stay at home” wife and mother.
She has come a long way from the lost 13-year-old we met in book one, full of regrets and sorrow and the trilogy comes full circle as she tries to balance her love for her career with her love of being a mother.
Her first major project will take her home to India searching for the perfect scent for a special client, just as a secret from her Past, will arrive in Paris, making her confront all of the things she thought could remain buried.
As much as she tries to run from her past, things unfold at the most unexpected moments in Radha's life.
We get to see a glimpse of Laxmi and Malik's life in this story as well, which is quite good to see. In the end, they all got a happy ending settled in their lives.
The thing I like most about Alka Joshi's book is how she beautifully brings out the culture of India, which most Indians might not be aware of. she highlights the feelings of women for whatever we are facing in society and how it is impacting us perfectly.
Overall I like reading the trilogy.
deribash's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
juanitamfm's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is my least favorite of the series, I think it’s because I’ve never been a big fan or Radha. By the end of the book I did start to like her a little more. I think the different locations made the story more interesting. I felt bad for Niki. The affair seemed really sad and weird, but I guess it helped the plot move forward. The overall story was interesting enough to keep me reading!
kitchenbeat10's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this book more than the second book in the series. Radha is definitely not my favourite character in the series, so I wasn't as invested in her as much as I was in the other characters.
I was more compelled when Lakshmi, Hazi, or even Florence were there in the scenes. The book was a fitting conclusion to the trilogy though.
I was more compelled when Lakshmi, Hazi, or even Florence were there in the scenes. The book was a fitting conclusion to the trilogy though.