Title: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Author: Patrick Süskind
Release Date: January 1, 1985
Length: 263 pages
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller / Historical Fiction
****My Review****
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind
Inspired by the fact that just yesterday evening I watched the movie “Perfume – the story of a murderer”, which was based on a book. That’s why I decided to write a review for the book of the same name by Patrick Süskind.
It’s a little unusual that I haven’t shared my impressions of this book, which I read a couple of years ago, by the way. Usually, I write my reviews immediately when it comes to stories that have left a deep impression on me, as is the case with this one.
At the outset, I would like to mention that this work left me with my mouth wide open because, among other things, it pushes the boundaries of what we qualify as normal.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind – the book and subsequently the film adaptation, deals with a topic, that in itself is unusual and very controversial. So, logically, it has caused such violent reactions and conflicting opinions among many of those who have read it i.e. watched the film. In my opinion, those reactions are positive, cause only things of value are capable of causing such disagreements, right?
This is the first time I watched the movie. Needless to say, I had such huge expectations. Yet, the movie did not even come close to representing the real picture, as it is presented in the book.
I would even dare to say, without exaggeration, that it is one of the weaker film adaptations I have seen so far. But of course, that didn’t change at all the phenomenal impression the book left on me.
Namely, in my opinion, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind is wonderful and is one of my favorite works. Undoubtedly, it is an unusual, creepy, and morbid thriller, which at the same time manages to cause admiration in the reader.
What’s more, I would say that it is a monstrously beautiful work, so while I was reading it, it seemed to me even scarier how vividly the life of the main character – Grenouille was depicted. Somehow I felt as though I was observing everything with his eyes.
Moreover, I read somewhere a long time ago that the writer himself said that once we meet Grenouille, everything we previously knew falls apart because he has nothing in common with other people, not even a sense of smell.
He possesses a preternaturally developed sense of smell, and above all an exceptional talent for perfume making. Moreover, he is obsessed with the thought of creating the ultimate perfume. At the same time, it is quite fascinating the mentioned scent can turn him into an unfeeling creature, into a cold-blooded killer. Grenouille is on the one hand a disgusting person, but on the other mysterious and ingenious!
Patrick Süskind is an excellent storyteller and his deep knowledge of the perfume industry and the way he portrays the magic of scents while delving deep into the smallest detail is remarkable.
This story will cause many things, yet not of the readers will be left indifferent. Some of you will be appalled and some impressed. And believe me, there will be those who will have a mix of these two feelings (I belong to that group, which I think is the most numerous.).
Interestingly this precise book has caused numerous psychological and scientific researches.
I can write for hours about this book but I’m afraid that I might “drop” some spoilers. I simply adore the book, with all its controversies, and highly recommend it.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind presents the superior power of the sense of smell as an invisible component in the channeling of emotions. Emotions are created before they even reach the brain. A powerful psychological thriller that is worth reading.