TL;DR
Set in 18th-century France, 'Perfume' by Patrick Suskind follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man with an extraordinary sense of smell, on his dark quest to create the ultimate perfume, leading to murder and obsession.
What is Perfume about
'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' by Patrick Suskind is a haunting tale set in 18th-century France. It explores the life of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man born with an extraordinary sense of smell. The story delves into his journey from the slums of Paris to becoming a perfumer's apprentice, and his subsequent obsession with capturing the ultimate scent. This obsession drives him to commit a series of murders, seeking to distill the essence of beautiful young virgins to create the perfect perfume. The novel is a chilling examination of the depths of human depravity and the power of sensory perception.
Perfume 5 Key Takeaways
Birth and Early Life
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is born in the slums of Paris with an extraordinary sense of smell. His childhood is marked by neglect and isolation, but his unique olfactory ability sets him apart.
Apprenticeship
As a young man, Grenouille becomes an apprentice to a perfumer, learning the art of mixing scents. His talent allows him to create extraordinary perfumes, but he yearns for more.
Obsession with Scent
Grenouille becomes obsessed with capturing the scent of objects and, ultimately, the scent of beautiful young virgins. This quest leads him down a dark path of murder.
Creation of the Ultimate Perfume
Grenouille successfully distills the essence of his victims to create a perfume that grants him power over others. The scent is so powerful that it causes people to worship him.
Self-Destruction
Disillusioned by his own creation, Grenouille returns to the place of his birth. In a final act of self-destruction, he pours the perfume over himself, leading to his death at the hands of a frenzied crowd.
Top Perfume Quotes
- 'He possessed the power over the people, he had the perfume.'
- 'He had never in his life...felt so good, so fulfilled, so splendidly at ease.'
Who should read Perfume?
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy dark, gothic novels that delve into the complexities of human nature. Those fascinated by sensory experiences, psychological thrillers, and historical settings will find 'Perfume' both captivating and thought-provoking.
Perfume Best Reviews
- 'Perfume is a brilliant, haunting, and disturbing novel about the pursuit of beauty and the depths of human depravity. Patrick Suskind's prose is mesmerizing.' - The New York Times
- 'A darkly compelling and masterful narrative. Suskind's ability to evoke the senses makes this a truly unique and unforgettable read.' - The Guardian
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Perfume FAQs
What is the plot of the book 'Perfume'?
'Perfume' follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, who is born with an extraordinary sense of smell. He becomes obsessed with capturing the essence of beautiful young virgins to create the ultimate perfume, leading to a series of murders.
What happened at the end of 'Perfume'?
Disillusioned by his own creation, Grenouille pours the ultimate perfume over himself in a Parisian fish market. The crowd, overwhelmed by the scent, devours him, leaving only his clothes and the empty perfume bottle.
Is 'Perfume' a gothic novel?
Yes, 'Perfume' is considered a gothic novel. It is filled with dark themes, a chilling atmosphere, and explores the depths of human depravity and obsession.