The Perfume Collector

A Novel

De: Kathleen Tessaro

Narrado por: Heather Wilds

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

Reseñas de la Crítica

"[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)

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.

A great story!

This was a wonderfully written story, expertly utilizing flashbacks. They supported the overall story and never made me feel like I wanted to hurry up and get back to the other characters. The descriptive phrasing was beautiful and the aromatic description is so enjoyable.
It did take me a little time to get used to the narration style but it was worth it.

Richly woven tapestry

Provides glimpses of the struggles women faced in the late 1920’s and 1950’s and how these were uniquely resolved by each character. The author shares the generosity along with the darker sides of those charged with meeting the protagonists’ needs. The story demonstrates the lengths some will go to insure the next generation has independence and success.
I would recommend this novel to women facing life changes. The novel illustrates how simple choices can have profound impacts on the characters and those who care for them.
I was kept on the edge of my seat as the author maneuvered the twists and turns. I was enthralled as the author flashed from the 1950’s to 1920’s and back again. The ending was not what I expected, but that is a good thing. It fits the demonstration of feminine uprising despite society’s inflicted roadblocks.

Love Love LOVED

This book was exactly what I wanted to listen to. The story is beautiful and the narration is great. Try it!!

Such a fascinating and beautiful story.

A fascinating and beautiful story. Extremely well written. Too bad it is performed so robotically. Nonetheless, well worth listening to!

It's a wonderful story that lingers

This well written novel is just the right blend of escape and empowerment. I didn't want it to end. The audible performance was well done, and I didn't want it to end.

Maybe I'll read it again!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, highly recommend. i love stories about scent. i would have liked even more about perfume making, but even without that, this is a wonderful story. loved it.

What did you like best about this story?

i really liked the modern story best.

Which character – as performed by Heather Wilds – was your favorite?

Grace

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

i was very happy at the end. love happy endings.

Any additional comments?

reader was great, too.

great listen

Narrator executed an excellent performance. Story a little predictable but still an exceptionally enjoyable book.

Awesome...

This was well written, entertaining and well worth the price of admission. Character development was well done and just enough detail to keep you going and some nice twists that keep you even more intrigued. Enjoy... I'm now looking for this author's other book(s)...

PS The narrator was fantastic too.

A poignant story beautifully told

A poignant story beautifully told. Once started, I did not want to put it down.