Perfume cover art

Perfume

Penguin Modern Classics

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Perfume

By: Patrick Süskind
Narrated by: Sean Barrett
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About this listen

A downloadable audiobook edition of the modern classic Perfume read by Sean Barrett.

Survivor, genius, perfumer, killer: This is Jean-Baptiste Grenouille. He is abandoned on the filthy streets of Paris as a child, but grows up to discover he has an extraordinary gift: A sense of smell more powerful than any other human's.

Soon, he is creating the most sublime fragrances in all the city. Yet there is one odour he cannot capture. It is exquisite, magical: The scent of a young virgin. And to get it he must kill. And kill. And kill...

©2014 Patrick Suskind (P)2014 Penguin Audio Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction Psychological Thriller & Suspense Fiction Scary Mind-bending

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All stars
Most relevant
Someone recommended this to me a while back and so glad I added this to my wishlist. A completely unexpected ending (and not a "twist" ending either) and Sean Barrett is excellent as always.

Creepy, different, and very very good!

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The narration is possibly the best I have ever heard. I can think of only two other novels in which the narrator was so well fitted to the text.
I will be seeking out more by Sean Barrett.

The writing is beautiful. Dark, unsettling and with a sliver of wry humour. Why do I care about what will happen to this monstrous and monstrously neglected child?

The only complaint I can make is that this book demands (deserves) 100% attention, so is no good for listening before bed or whilst busy with other tasks. Hardly a complaint.

I'm only 10 chapters in, but am spellbound

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What did you like most about Perfume?

The despicable, disgusting little frog (Grenouille), always the underdog, with an extraordinary gift that drives him to madness. One of the most extraordinary stories I have ever heard - fascinating!

What other book might you compare Perfume to, and why?

I have never read or heard anything quite like it!

What about Sean Barrett’s performance did you like?

Always a fantastic narrator. It was partly his credit which made me choose this title - and I'm very pleased I did!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was a book I sat for hours listening to, enthralled!

Any additional comments?

I had never had any experience of this author before, but will definitely seek out further examples of his work!

A fascinating tale!

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I read this book many years ago. It is all consuming and bizarre. Brilliantly narrated the story of a poor abandoned special child in Paris and his weird triumphs and final demise in his pursuit of his own perfume and existence. The audiobook enhanced the original work.

Macabre and brilliant

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This is a wierd, bizarre story but one that grabs you & doesnt let go.

It is about Greniolle Jean Baptist an orphan, who realises he has an amazing heightened sense of smell. He becomes an accomplished perfumer and searches to posess the ultimate scent,
but does he find it?

I enjoyed this novel, it is a tragic tale of lonliness but the writing was incredilbe. I felt I could smell the flowers, oil and perfumes that were being described.

It is not for the faint hearted but definately a book to be recommended.

A Strange Read

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