The Perfume Collector

A Novel

By: Kathleen Tessaro

Narrated by: Heather Wilds

Length: 12 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

An inheritance from a mysterious stranger...< /p>

An abandoned perfume shop on the Left Bank of Paris...

And three exquisite perfumes that hold a memory...and a secret.

London, 1955: Grace Monroe is a fortunate young woman. Despite her sheltered upbringing in Oxford, her recent marriage has thrust her into the heart of London's most refined and ambitious social circles. However, playing the role of the sophisticated socialite her husband would like her to be doesn't come easily to her; and perhaps never will.

Then one evening a letter arrives from France that will change everything. Grace has received an inheritance. There's only one problem: she has never heard of her benefactor, the mysterious Eva d'Orsey.

So begins a journey that takes Grace to Paris in search of Eva. There, in a long-abandoned perfume shop on the Left Bank, she discovers the seductive world of perfumers and their muses, and a surprising, complex love story. Told by invoking the three distinctive perfumes she inspired, Eva d'Orsey's story weaves through the decades, from 1920s New York to Monte Carlo, Paris, and London.

But these three perfumes hold secrets. And as Eva's past and Grace's future intersect, Grace realizes she must choose between the life she thinks she should live and the person she is truly meant to be.

Illuminating the lives and challenging times of two fascinating women, The Perfume Collector weaves a haunting, imaginative, and beautifully written tale filled with passion and possibility, heartbreak and hope.

©2013 Kathleen Tessaro (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"[L]ush, descriptive imagery and admirable authenticity.... [A] bewitching, compelling novel, full of dark desires, long-buried secrets, revisited memories, and new opportunities." ( Booklist)

"A colorful, stimulating journey through time." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"Dazzles the senses." ( Publishers Weekly)

A whole world to discover

I loved this fascinating story with its unfamiliarities but characters that felt completely real, impossible that anyone could have just invented them. I didn't want it to end so I will have to read it for the fourth time this week, and then again some day; old friendships to experience again; remembered events to relive.

Captivating story, skilled narrator

The story started off slow, but once it picked up, I couldn't stop listening. The characters were intriguing and the storyline took several interesting twists. The narrator was fabulous; you truly forget that it is one person speaking the whole time.

Loved it!

This is a book that I'd love to see made into a movie. Rich characters and locations would translate well to the screen.

Tantalizing tale of the senses

Thought this was fantastic. Looking for more books by this author. Have a whole new appreciation for perfume and the secret lives some live.

You can guess end, but you can’t stop listening

Great! Intriguing! It’s predictibe but so exciting to follow Ms Tessaro weave! Well worth reading!

Lovely book, excellent performance.

The perfume collector was a polished, well laid out story. beautiful narrative, the characters came alive. recommended.

Very good

Maybe a book for women. Does good characters voices are well done, quite original and distinct. I want make my own perfume now.

Ending was weak

I enjoyed the story, but was disappointed at the ending. It felt rushed and incomplete with a lot of loose ends not tied up. Main character was growing but what came next?

Excellent story

A wonderful little gem. Such a sad story - but so powerful. Loved the detailed descriptions of places, people and the perfumes!

My cup of tea . . .

If you enjoy the beauty of literary fiction and a nuanced, meaningful story shrouded in mystery, then I believe you will enjoy this novel. The narration was exquisite.