A review by sawthisdidthat
The Perfumist of Paris by Alka Joshi

3.0

(Audiobook) I feel like I liked this book as much as the others, if anything, I’ve grown warmer to the author and her characters, locations, plots as the trilogy moved on. Some quibbles, primarily that I would have liked more alternating perspective as the last book had, I would have liked to learn more about Niki and what he was experiencing. While I know that Radha grew up, I don’t know that she matured a whole lot. Also her marriage to Pierre seemed kind of odd; she grew up working, and knew she was passionate about her own projects, so why over a decade into their relationship he was unable to acquiesce to her wanting to work? The affair between Pierre and the best friend seemed random and unnecessary. I kind of thought the best friend was really selfish and Radha was completely guilted into supporting her more than her present circumstances could allow. The biggest issue overall is the lack of communication trope. The book would pretty much not exist if Radha (and other characters) was able to be more transparent. Overall would recommend the trilogy to readers looking for a strong sense of place with interwoven characters with a soap opera feel.