Set in 18th century France, the story follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man born with an extraordinary sense of smell. Grenouille is obsessed with capturing the perfect scent, and his quest leads him to commit a series of murders.
Süskind's writing is both lyrical and disturbing. He creates a vivid and evocative world, in which the reader can almost smell the scents that Grenouille encounters. The novel is also a psychological exploration of Grenouille's twisted mind. Süskind does not shy away from the dark side of human nature, and he creates a character who is both fascinating and repulsive.
Perfume is a challenging and thought-provoking novel. It is not for everyone, but it is a rewarding read for those who are willing to delve into its dark depths.
Here are some of the things I particularly liked about the book:
- The writing is beautiful and evocative. Süskind's descriptions of scent are so vivid that you can almost smell them yourself.
- The characters are complex and well-developed. Grenouille is a fascinating protagonist, even though he is deeply flawed and even monstrous.
- The novel explores interesting themes such as the nature of obsession, the power of scent, and the dark side of human nature.
Overall, I highly recommend Perfume to anyone who enjoys dark and atmospheric fiction. It is a truly unique and unforgettable novel.