Perfume: The Story of Murder

Good quality and as I thought .. nice book

Ever since teen is my most fav novel of all the times!! 🖤🖤🖤 “He possessed the power. He held it in his hand. A power stronger than the power of money or the power of terror or the power of death: the invincible power to command the love of mankind. There was only one thing that power could not do: it could not make him able to smell himself.” Perfume is a story about social isolation; it’s a story about not belonging in the world and the negative effects this can wrought on one’s mind. It’s also a story about obsession, a singular pursuit for perfection regardless of the costs. Consequences simply do not matter for Jean. He is completely detached from reality; he lives in his own world of scent, invisible to all others. Murder means nothing to him because he does not fully understand what he is murdering. He has no feelings. He cannot comprehend what it is to snuff out a life because he is not truly alive himself. He is dead inside and numb to all else in his differentness. “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.” “He had withdrawn solely for his own personal pleasure, only to be near to himself. No longer distracted by anything external, he basked in his own existence and found it splendid.” As such befalls misery for all those that meet him. His talent is remarkable and his motivation (when roused) is unstoppable. His singular pursuit for his goal is uncompromising and he will stop at nothing to achieve the most perfect of scents. The secret ingredient he has been looking for comes his way and he cannot rest until he has it. Innocence is a mighty hard thing to harvest, though it is the missing piece he has been looking for; it will give his perfume the power to inspire love: it will be irresistible. However, as the tale of Icarus taught us, those who fly too high will burn. As such the ending of this is simply perfection. The moment captures the heart of the book in one beautifully horrific frenzy of emotions and desire. The delivery is masterful. I knew it was coming (I’d seen the film many years previously) though I don’t think the film could every quite capture the intensity and euphoric nature of the situation. The only reason I have not given this five stars is because I found it rambled a little in places. I think the story could have been cut back and made tighter and more effective, though I loved the prose and the plot. Jean makes for an interesting character study for sure.

Dieses Buch wollte ich eigentlich schon lesen seit es in die Bestsellerlisten eingegangen ist. Zum Glück habe ich mir bis jetzt die Verfilmung nicht angesehen um mir die Spannung nicht zu nehmen, aber jetzt werde ich das sicher bei nächster Gelegenheit nachholen, diesmal aber in der deutschen Version, denn ein Werk eines deutschen Schriftstellers in der englischen Fassung zu lesen ist praktisch fast schon pervers aber das liegt daran dass ich sonst nie deutsche Autoren lese. Auch wenn der Untertitel "Die Geschichte eines Mörders lautet" handelt es sich hier keinesfalls um einen klassischen Krimi, denn der erste Mord lässt lange auf sich warten und bis zu den folgenden vergehen im Buch viele Jahre. Vielmehr wird die Entwicklung von Grenouille von seiner Geburt im Paris des 18. Jahrhunderts bis zu seinem ziemlich grausamen Tod erzählt. Sein Start ins Leben beginnt wenig erfreulich, erst will ihn seine Mutter gleich wieder erdrosseln und dann will ihn noch nicht einmal die Amme behalten. Auch in dem Waisenhaus, in dem er aufwächst gewinnt er keine Freunde weil er den anderen Kindern unheimlich ist, so nimmt er denn auch die erstbeste Gelegenheit eine Arbeitsstelle anzutreten wahr, um diesem tristen Dasein zu entrinnen. Das Schicksal verschlägt ihn bald zum erfolglosen Parfumeur Guiseppe Baldini, dem er Dank seiner Gabe Düfte praktisch aus dem Nichts zu kreieren zu großem Ansehen und Reichtum verhilft. Doch auch dieser nutzt ihn nur aus. Als er eines Tages darum bittet, aus Baldini's Diensten entlassen zu werden, wird er zusammen mit einem Hungerlohn auf den Weg geschickt, was Grenouille aber nichts ausmacht, denn Geld und Ruhm bedeuten ihm rein gar nichts, er ist auf der Suche nach dem ultimativen Parfum. Man kann gut nachvollziehen warum er immer menschenscheuer und letztendlich auch -verachtend wird. Er ist besessen von seiner Vorstellung und als er einem Mädchen begegnet, das einen für ihn absolut vollkommenen unwiderstehlichen Duft verströmt gibt es für ihn kein zurück mehr. Die Handlung verläuft linear, es gibt keine Seitenstränge oder Rückblenden, dadurch lässt sich das Werk zügig lesen. Als Urlaubslektüre würde ich "Das Parfüm" aufgrund der düsteren Grundstimmung nicht empfehlen, auch sind die wohldosierten Schockelemente wohl eher nichts für zartbesaitete Gemüter aber die Hauptthematik ist auf jeden Fall interessant - man erfährt vieles über die Herstellung von Parfums und man wird sich bewusst, dass der Geruchssinn, der in unserem Leben sonst eine eher untergeordnete Rolle spielt einen großen Einfluß auf unser Verhalten hat.

Fantastic read. The writer's articulation made me visualise the hero of this story so vividly that I can draw his portrait. Great work.

Great book and good print!

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind, a literary masterpiece, takes readers on an evocative and haunting olfactory journey through 18th-century France. This captivating novel delves into the world of scents, exploring the power of smell and its impact on human emotions and desires. Süskind's writing style is mesmerizing, painting vivid imagery with his words and transporting readers to the streets of Paris. The attention to detail in describing various aromas and fragrances is truly remarkable. From the vibrant and alluring scents of the city's markets to the intoxicating aromas of perfumes and human bodies, the author skillfully brings these olfactory experiences to life. The protagonist, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, is a complex and enigmatic character whose obsession with capturing and preserving scents leads him down a dark and twisted path. Süskind masterfully explores the psychological depths of Grenouille's character, delving into the effects of isolation and obsession on the human psyche. The narrative is both chilling and thought-provoking, delving into themes of identity, desire, and the pursuit of perfection. One of the most captivating aspects of Perfume is Süskind's exploration of the power of scent and its influence on human behavior. The novel delves into the idea that fragrances have the ability to evoke memories, stir emotions, and manipulate others. Süskind's ability to convey the nuances and intricacies of different scents is both fascinating and immersive. The historical backdrop of 18th-century France adds another layer of richness to the story. Süskind skillfully intertwines elements of the era, from the bustling city streets to the social hierarchies and fragrant workshops of the perfume industry. This historical context enhances the atmosphere and provides a deeper understanding of the societal norms and influences that shape the characters' lives. While Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is a compelling and atmospheric novel, it may not be for everyone. The darker themes and graphic descriptions may be unsettling for some readers. Additionally, the pacing of the story can be slow at times, as Süskind takes his time to delve into the intricate details of scents and the protagonist's psychological journey. In conclusion, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex relationship between scent, identity, and human nature. Süskind's masterful storytelling and evocative descriptions create an immersive reading experience that lingers long after the book is finished. If you have an interest in exploring the power of senses and diving into a richly detailed historical setting, this novel is well worth your time.