Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind - March 2022

[Gem , Moderator & Admin]

Hello fellow Crime, Mystery & Thriller readers,

Welcome to our discussion about Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind, your discussion leader is Leena.
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about spoilers

Please note: If you have not finished reading the book spoilers are permitted in this discussion from the start. If you would like to use the spoiler formatting it can be found on the top right of the comment box in the "(some html is ok)" menu.
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Summary

In the slums of eighteenth-century France, the infant Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is born with one sublime gift—an absolute sense of smell. As a boy, he lives to decipher the odors of Paris, and apprentices himself to a prominent perfumer who teaches him the ancient art of mixing precious oils and herbs. But Grenouille's genius is such that he is not satisfied to stop there, and he becomes obsessed with capturing the smells of objects such as brass doorknobs and fresh-cut wood. Then one day he catches a hint of a scent that will drive him on an ever-more-terrifying quest to create the "ultimate perfume"—the scent of a beautiful young virgin. Told with dazzling narrative brilliance, Perfume is a hauntingly powerful tale of murder and sensual depravity.

[Leena]

Hi all,
Ive been wanting to read this one for a really long time. Looming forward to all your views.
Starting today.

[Michelle]

I read this years ago and absolutely loved it. The descriptions are like nothing I had ever read before. Positively brilliant. My son who was 16 at the time recommended it to me. I hope you all enjoy as much as I did. You will never think of the sense of smell the same way ever again.

[Leena]

I so agree with you regarding the descriptions. I read so many historical romances and the descriptions there are all so pretty and idyllic. And then we have Perfume. I'm still reeling and reeking over the olfactory descriptions of Paris. Who would have thought so??

[Leena]

and what a coincidence- my 16yr old recommended this to me recently. :)

[Gwen]

Audible Members-this is available today (and maybe tomorrow) for $3.15. Great price for those of us who like to listen!

[Leena]

Hey, has anyone read much?? Ive read the first 60 pages and its a really intense book.

[Leena]

" Everyday language soon wpuld.prove to be inadequate for designating all the olfactory notions that he had accumulated for himself"

What it must feel to be able to do so?id probably be scared.

[Cátia]

Hi everyone, I'm currently on chapter 38.
I agree that it's an intense book, and sometimes goes into too much detail.

[Leena]

Wow! Cátia, you've really covered a lot of the bk. Its not only intense, theres too much information too, but once the first 75 pages are done its easier to read.
I found the death details of the 2 caretakers in Grenouille's life a strange inclusion. The imagination and creativity of the author's is commendable.

[Cátia]

I’ve finished the book. I’m not usually a big fan of historical fiction, but it’s an interesting and original story. I watched the movie too. I preferred the movie, there are a few small details that are different between the movie and book. But in general, the movie is faithful to the book. Looking forward to hear your opinions.

[Leena]

OK, I'm spurred on. I can barely read 20 pages a day. the amount of information in those pages is staggering.

I didn't know Perfume was made into a movie. I'll check that out too.

[Michelle]

I didn’t realize there was a movie either. Thanks! I will need to watch that as well. Though the descriptions, albeit sometimes distressing to read, are what I like to call word candy. I can’t see how they would capture that on film.

The comment about the descriptions being too long is a valid one though too. I definitely have to be in the right frame of mind when I read something that is so descriptive, otherwise my mind wanders.

[Leena]

I agree with you, wonder how they converted all that fabulous prose into pictures.
And his writing is sublime.

I also found it a little perverse - imagine bumping off all his benefactors the minute he moves on. the only exception being his caretaker, Madame Gaillard who dies at a very ripe old age.

[Leena]

I finally finished and am stupmed by the end. Frankly, im not sure I liked it. What does the end even mean? Can any act done out ofnlove justified? Or Love atones any despicable act??

Rating : 2 🌟and another 1/2🌟 as a kindness token

[Karen]

I've enjoyed reading these reviews. I've had this book on my shelf for over 30 years. Sounds like I'm missing a good read. I also didn't know it was made into a movie.