Reviews with content warning for Cannibalism - Das Parfum

Reviews tagging 'Cannibalism'

Das Parfum by Patrick Süskind

179 reviews

gingervandorsten's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I have rarely read a book as weird and gross and generally unpleasant as this one, but I also think this book is so, so good. The writing, the descriptions, the tension, the ingenuity of everything in here is striking and so impressive.
And then

he murders a dog. And then there's a detailed description of a young girl's breasts. And then there's a father borderline lusting over his daughter. And then there's a huge orgy.

And I think I understand the reason that Süskind put in these things, made these choices; they clearly have the desired effect of making the reader uncomfortable, and showcasing just how f-ed up Grenouille really is, but some of this was a little too messed up to me to be pleasantly disturbing in the way that horror can be, you know?
Regardless - I don't think you should avoid this book because of the amount of disturbing things that happen in it, because if you appreciate the weirdness (to an extent) it's honestly a really masterful tale of hubris and humanity and gross and beautiful olfactory imagery. And the last line. Good lord.

Side note: it's very amusing to me that most people who read this book seem to consider it with a kind of "What in the actual fuck is going on here this is sick"-view but also see it as one of the best books out there. Mainly because I agree. I guess Süskind enamoured us with this gross little book through the perfume of his gorgeous, ironic and self-aware prose.

Also, the Dutch translation by Ronald Jonkers is very good!

Content Warnings

bookishevy's review against another edition

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dark funny hopeful informative mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I added this book to my TBR when I learned that it was one of Kurt Cobain's favorite reads. When I saw that it was included in my Audible, I downloaded it immediately and was introduced to my most-hated character yet.

Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is born in the slums of 18th-century France with a superhuman sense of smell. As a boy, he lives for the odors of Paris. He apprentices himself to prominent perfumer Baldini, who teaches him how to mix precious herbs and oils. The first chapter of the book focuses on how everyone stinks in France during this time, so perfume sales are at an all-time high. He makes Baldini a lot of money.

But that's not enough for Grenouille. He wants to capture the smells of everyday objects. His obsession graduates to wanting to create the "ultimate perfume"—the scent of a beautiful young virgin.

I added this to my list of creepy reads because Grenouille heebied TF outta my jeebies. He's a hateful, little man, capable of doing depraved things as he seeks to preserve the virgins' odors in a bottle. Odors that inspire love, something his repulsive self has never felt. He experiments with animals before going on a killing spree to maintain these young women's scents.

My biggest concern was that Grenouille would get away with it. Hell, he doesn't even want to get away with it. He's sick of people. He welcomes death. But one must never underestimate the power of a good scent. It could make you do things you wouldn't normally do. Like, have an orgy in the town square 🥴

I wanted Grenouille to hang, but the ending was far more poetic.

Nigel Patterson's voice was made for narration. So crisp. 🤌🏾

I recommend this disturbing read to anyone interested in the origins of serial killers and can appreciate how scents transport us.

Content Warnings