A review by samanthawattam
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind

dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

The story is set in 18th century France, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is raised an orphan and develops a unique talent - an incredible sense of smell.  He goes to work at a tannery at the age of 8, and as he gains more personal freedom he collects and stores an increasing collection of smells in his olfactory senses feasting on the city of Paris until he decides his purpose in life is to become “the great perfumer of all time” - and lets nothing stand in his way. 
 
I had heard that this was a seriously creepy book and I had not seen the film before reading it.  I struggled with the story - it is full of imagery that overwhelm your senses  and just leave you feeling - ugh!  For me it was completely lacking in a story or characters for whom you give a hoot - Grenouille - he cares about one thing collecting scents that’s it he doesn’t even care about himself.  The book lacks any female voices except for peripheral characters or who are victims.  
 
The book is a fantasy a sort of surrealist portrayal of a parfumer but just because it’s clever doesn’t make it an enjoyable read.  Only recommend if you really enjoy weird books.
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