Rating: 
Summary: a brilliantly original gothic literature
Review: Fans of gothic/horror novels will rejoice at the arrival of Patick Suskind and his amazing novel Perfume: The Story of a Murder. Perfume is a rare delight. It's unique, intelligent story of a man with an incredible sense of smell (bloodhounds would be envious) who uses his natural gift for diabolical purposes. It is also written with a certain panache which is often lacking in the more popular gothic/horror novels. It also rewards the reader with a shocking (and macabre) ending. Savour it, and enjoy.While the story does involve murders, Perfume does not dwell upon violence or gore. However there are strong sexual undertones. So it's best that parents not share Perfume with children under 15. Finally, I would also recommend Suskind's novella "The Pigeon". Patrick McGrath's "Dr. Haggards Disease" and "Spider" also share Perfume's excellence in literary quality and gothic nature.
Rating:
Summary: Timeless classic!
Review: I've given this book to more people than I can count. The Perfume is like a small jewell perfect in every way, the Author puts forward a story full of surprises and so diferent from everything out there that one is amazed at the originality and the beauty... The main character is probably the most unforgettable and terrifying individual ever conjured by any author ever. Don't deny yourself the pleasure of reading this super bestseller ignored in USA, but beloved everywhere else in the world... Paralleled only by The Name of the Rose, I, Claudius and stop counting.
Rating:
Summary: stunning...
Review: ok. i remember the first time that i picked up this book. i was about to catch a train from penn station in new york and desperately needed something to read. this book caught my eye - wasn't sure what to expect, but thought that it would be a decent bubble gum read and perfect for the train. i, of course, nearly missed my stop. i found myself sucked into the novel, the characters, the space it took me too. i've re-read it several times since and been equally engrossed. what's most stunning to me, is that it's a translation and it still reads so beautifully. everyone who i've recommended it to has had it end up on their favorite book list. too bad mr. suskind hasn't been as prolific as some of our other authors. the other book that i've read of his, the pigeon, wasn't anywhere near this one in either topic or impact. so maybe, his lack of writing isn't a bad thing...
Rating:
Summary: Unique book, I loved it
Review: This book is just great. I've never read something as original and brilliant as "perfume". I consider it a celebration of sensibility and creativity, a biography of a true artist (ok, a little dangerous one). This is one of those books that kept me smiling all the way through, because of its bizarre genius and power. I'm happy I found this book.
Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: This is the funniest book I have ever read.
Rating:
Summary: Scented Perfectly!
Review: Some stories are just magic and when you read them, you feel as though you have been mesmerized. Suskind's story of the boy/man with the special nose is one of those stories, magical, lyrical, and perfectly scented all the way through to the shocking end. If you read only one book this year, make it this one.
Rating:
Summary: It's a must!
Review: This was one of the best books I've ever read. It is so descriptive, so imaginative. Whenever you open this book, you won't let it go until you read the last page. The story and the descriptions are so intense that I was sad when I finished it. I wanted more!
Rating: 
Summary: The Perfume STINKS!
Review: After looking at the other reviews listed here, I thought perhaps we'd all read a different book. My reading club read this after a wonderful recommendation and the experience was unfortunate. Everyone hated it---it was long, painful and meaningless. Now don't get me wrong, the writer has a way with words. And he makes all the little details very real. Unfortunately, this is one book where the details, although painfully described, go nowhere. For a book with such promise, it was a great disappointment. After a few very interesting first chapters, the story graphically goes nowhere. Suskind's monster develops throughout but the whole time you feel something is missing. Oh, I know---a Plot! That would have helped! You wait so long and trudge through many torturous pages to finally get to the end and find out what the meaning of it all was---only to find that there is nothing awaiting you. With a world full of wonderful books just waiting to be read---this is one that is a total waste of time.
Rating:
Summary: Creativity
Review: I read that book in french 10 years ago. Un pur chef d'oeuvre.. Description, atmosphere, odors, all is there to bring us to another time, to another world. It is an hommage to french culture, with that sense of details, of sensibility and sensuality. This Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is a monster, he is horrible, too horrible to be human, but, I think this constatation of the behavior of a non-loved heros just bring a reflection that he miss the essential. And that brings him and his society to a desaster. I read that again this year and after 10 years, I just smell more all the odors inside. I hope my soulmate will like it. I cant wait having his opinion.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting and bone chilling
Review: here is a book that everyone should read. the story telling is unique and the charcter is facinating. is trully smelltacular.
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