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Book Review of The Perfume Collector: A Novel

The Perfume Collector: A Novel
mazeydazey avatar reviewed on + 140 more book reviews


I liked this book. It switches every other chapter from 1927 to 1954 so you could learn about both main characters and how their lives entwined. Early on you figure out the connection but it does not detract from the story. The time period was wonderful including the German occupation of France and goes all the way thru how women were normally just an extension of their husbands in the 1950s. Thru Eve's help Grace overcame the stereotypical life of the 1950s housewife.

You learn about perfumes and how scents trigger memories. I also liked the descriptions of various places in Paris and how Grace fell in love with not only the smells but the sights and sounds of Paris. I especially enjoyed that part of the book. I do wish the relationship that both main characters had with the Parisian lawyer was explored more. Also the ending was very assuming, not quite wrapped up in a tidy little package which I prefer. This still did not deter me from liking the book.

If there was one thing distracting, it was the editing. There were a lot of grammatical errors.