Perfume

A reminder (if one were ever needed) why there can be so much merit in rereading novels. Each time one gets something new from a work. Perfume was super interesting to me, not just as a story, but also given the extent to which I have thought about, read and studied taste and smell since I first encountered this work circa 30 years ago. At one level, Perfume is an insight into the limits of human obsession and how far someone may go to fulfil their aims. The depravity of Grenouille (the main character) is contrasted with the vanity of the wealthy. Who understands the ‘purpose’ of smell better? Much of the novel is about how and why we create illusions, ‘masking’ ourselves where necessary, often through scent. Perfume also serves as a reminder of how few of us really consider the importance of smell (per Cork Dork), let alone promote it above sight or hearing. Beyond all this, treat Perfume simply as an engaging, engrossing and often highly satirical read. I found myself gripped and would happily return again. 9 out of 10.

By Patrick Süskind