54 pages • 1 hour read
Patrick SüskindPerfume: The Story of a Murderer
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, an 18th-century French orphan with an extraordinary sense of smell who becomes obsessed with creating the perfect scent, leading him to murder. The novel explores themes of obsession, the charismatic power of evil, and the relationship between scent and emotion. The source material includes depictions of violence, murder, and cannibalization.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Patrick Süskind's Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is praised for its vivid, sensory-rich prose and intricate depiction of 18th-century France. Readers admire its unique premise and compelling narrative. However, some criticize its graphic content and moral ambiguity. It is a controversial yet captivating exploration of obsession and identity.
Who Should Read Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?
Readers who relish dark, psychological thrillers with a focus on sensory experiences will appreciate Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind. Similar to The Picture of Dorian Gray and American Psycho, fans of intricate, atmospheric narratives and morally complex characters will find this book compelling.