This book was so delicious. I tore right through it There is mystery. What is the connection between these women we meet in different chapters at the beginning of the book? There is betrayal. By a husband, by a friend. There is abandonment. By a parent, by a mentee. And the settings are glorious- from post war London to chic Paris to bootlegging NYC to the tables of Monte Carlo Read this book for an escape, for an adventure, for some pondering. The Perfume Collector takes you back in time, set post WWII, and is about two women whose lives are intertwined. One's journey to make amends with her past and the other's journey to discover her future. The story begins in London in 1955 where Grace Monroe, recently married and thrown into the London elite social scene, receives a letter informing her she has received an inheritance. Thinking it is a mistake, but wanting to get away from the life she has not come accustomed to, Grace goes on a journey to Paris to learn about her benefactor, Eva d’Orsey. With the help of her attorney, Edward Thissot, she discovers a long abandoned perfume shop, learns about the complex world of concocting perfumes, and a love story that explains her ties with Eva.The story flashbacks to the 1920’s where you meet Eva who is working as a chambermaid in an upscale hotel catering to the rich. Her involvement with this elite group of people allows her to overcome her poor upbringing and later becomes a legend in the perfume industry. You are taken back to that time and the scents of the perfumes are described so well you can almost smell them. You learn about the fascinating world of fragrances and the unusual ways scents are inspired. While the story is a bit predictable, it draws you in as you see both characters coming into their own. This book was a page turner and one of the best that I’ve read this year.
What do You think about The Perfume Collector (2013)?
so beautiful. I want to go buy perfume, I want to go to paris, I want to read it again!
—djkonsjeran
Only 3 stars but I did enjoy reading this light and entertaining book.
—Sam
Some bits were predictable but overall it was a wonderful story.
—READS_4_ENJOYMENT
This was a very good book - I thoroughly enjoyed it !
—shamanina
