← Back

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

Patrick Süskind’s 1985 novel, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, is a captivating historical fiction that delves into the life of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, an orphan born with an unparalleled sense of smell. Süskind takes readers on a journey through Grenouille’s life as he transforms from an apprentice perfumer to a murderer obsessed with capturing the essence of an elusive scent possessed by a young girl.

Süskind's exploration of the relationship between smell and emotion is simply brilliant. I absolutely enjoyed how the novel delves deep into the topic and reveals the profound impact that scents can have on our perceptions and experiences. The writing is evocative, taking readers on a journey into a world where scent becomes a language of its own, expressing emotions that words often fail to capture.

Grenouille's character, purposefully controversial, is a fascinating study in contrasts. He possesses an extraordinary sense of smell but is deprived of love. Süskind skillfully navigates Grenouille's complex psyche, making readers both empathize with and be repelled by this enigmatic protagonist.

Patrick Süskind’s Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is an extraordinary tale that defies genre. It captivates readers with its exploration of the power of scent and its deep connection to our emotions. This book is an essential read for lovers of literary excellence and for those who seek unconventional narratives.

Memorable Quotes

  • He smelled it more precisely than many people could see it.


  • Never in his life had he felt so secure, certainly not in his mother's belly.


  • What he coveted was the odor of certain human beings.


  • He realized that all his life he had been a nobody to everyone. What he now felt was the fear of his own oblivion. It was as though he did not exist.

Rating: 8.7/10