A review by wocthehell
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, by Patrick Süskind
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
(++) Bold, fresh, and evocative use of smell as the main form of perception throughout the book
(++) Fascinating blend of perfumery lessons with the constant underlying unease that surrounds Grenouille
(+) Novel premise
(+) Beautiful prose even through translation
(–) Plot meanders and I suspect at least 50-70 pages could've been cut altogether
(–) Gratuitous description of
(––) The concept of being able to wear a perfume like a literal disguise was too much of a reach for me and consequently the ending fell flat
(++) Fascinating blend of perfumery lessons with the constant underlying unease that surrounds Grenouille
(+) Novel premise
(+) Beautiful prose even through translation
(–) Plot meanders and I suspect at least 50-70 pages could've been cut altogether
(–) Gratuitous description of
Spoiler
a father lusting after his own daughter(––) The concept of being able to wear a perfume like a literal disguise was too much of a reach for me and consequently the ending fell flat
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Stalking
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Incest, Suicidal thoughts, Animal death, Cannibalism, and Alcoholism