54 pages 1 hour read

Patrick Süskind

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, an 18th-century French orphan with an extraordinary sense of smell who becomes obsessed with creating the perfect scent, leading him to murder. The novel explores themes of obsession, the charismatic power of evil, and the relationship between scent and emotion. The source material includes depictions of violence, murder, and cannibalization.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Patrick Süskind's Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is praised for its vivid, sensory-rich prose and intricate depiction of 18th-century France. Readers admire its unique premise and compelling narrative. However, some criticize its graphic content and moral ambiguity. It is a controversial yet captivating exploration of obsession and identity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?

Readers who relish dark, psychological thrillers with a focus on sensory experiences will appreciate Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind. Similar to The Picture of Dorian Gray and American Psycho, fans of intricate, atmospheric narratives and morally complex characters will find this book compelling.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil

Topics

History: World