This deliciously dark novella is original and shocking in a way that is redolent of 'The Wasp Factory.' The anti hero Grenouille is inhuman in a way that questions whether some individuals are born evil. While he hides from humanity like Frankenstein's monster, unlike him- he evokes absolutely no sympathy in the reader-he is a stone souled semi human. The olfactory world of this misanthrope further distances him from the reader by presenting the world from the point of view of an animal such as a dog or rat. Grenouille learns that an ability to control people is ultimately not the route to happiness and is only able to assimilate with humanity in a gruesome and literal denouement.

when I first started this book, I didn’t expect much. My friend recommended it to me and I thought it’d be like any other book. But WOW the plot? the descriptive writing? it’s so well written and it’s amazing. I can understand why my friend suggested me to read Perfume. Although the beginning is slow but as it progresses it’s phenomenal.

Patrick transports us into 17th century Paris to witness the birth of the protagonist- Jean Baptiste Grenouille. From that moment on, we witness the life of a psychopath who has the extraordinary gift of scent. Born in the filthy streets, destined to die, with a gift that mutates into an uncontrollable power, “he was in very truth his own God”. From the start, there is a very strong note of dark-hued humour and satire. There is a lot of depth and a clever narrative style as Süskind delves into the characters’ deepest, shameful desires and showcase their downfall. Religion and divinity plays a huge role in this novel, as well as the societal importance on virginity. Süskind embroiders the Seven Deadly Sins through the characters Jean interacts with, mocking them: Father Terrier- Pride, Madame Gaillard- Envy, Baldini- Greed, Grimal- Gluttony, Richis- Lust, Druot- Sloth and finally Grenouille- Wrath. The writing embodies classic gothic characteristics through the use of a burdened male protagonist; the constant slips between reality and Grenouille’s dream state in his solidarity confinement; heightened sense of drama and the supernatural nature of Jean Baptise. I loved reading the sensory descriptions and erotic, obsessive imagery linked with the “fleeting realm of scent”. This is a novel that I have enjoyed incredibly and highly recommend to anyone else who enjoys gothic literature, this has become my favourite book this year so far!

An enthralling story. Brilliantly clever and descriptive. Such a satisfying read.

A story that is at once grisly and so beautiful, almost like a fairytale, which is part of the magic of Perfume. With essences of the very best French literature, this is a picture painted with words: dark, shadowy and utterly sublime.