The Scent Keeper

A Novel

By: Erica Bauermeister

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's Summary

"Woven through [Emmeline's] life's journey is a multi-layered story of fragrance and its evocative power, as strong and tenacious as this sensuous novel's plucky heroine." (Shelf Awareness)

Erica Bauermeister, the author of the February Reese's Book Club pick The Scent Keeper, presents a moving and evocative novel about childhood stories, families lost and found, and how a fragrance conjures memories capable of shaping the course of our lives.

Emmeline lives on a remote island with her father, who teaches her about the natural world through her senses. What he won’t explain are the mysterious scents stored in glass bottles that line the walls of their cabin, or the origin of the machine that creates them. As Emmeline grows, however, so too does her curiosity, until one day the unforeseen happens, and Emmeline is vaulted out into the real world - a place of love, betrayal, ambition, and revenge. To understand her past, Emmeline must unlock the clues to her identity, a quest that challenges the limits of her heart and imagination.

Captivating and emotional, The Scent Keeper explores the provocative beauty of scent, the way it can reveal hidden truths, lead us to the person we seek, and even help us find our way back home.

©2019 Erica Bauermeister (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

A heavy, sad read.

This is one of the saddest books I’ve ever read. I’m so sorry It is now in my “memory bank”.

Beautiful. Had to write.

I almost didn't get this book, because a a review that said it was so sad. What? My life is 100x sader then this wonderful amazing tale. Real life mixed with the magic of scents. Just a warm wonderful story with characters full of flaws and convoluted reasoning just like we tell ourselves. Get it. I will read it again. And I never write reviews and have listened to 180 audible books. Worth the credit!!

I never write a review but...

The plot may be great and I may have missed out on a really good story, but I’ll never know because I found part of the narration to be so annoying. When reading dialog for the main character’s father the narrator had, what I’d consider to be a very strange interpretation of how that character would speak. Specifically, she pronounced every “s” sound as an “sh.” I tried to battle my way through it...but it was like nails on a chalk board. I couldn’t shtand it! Sho... I jusht shtopped lishtening.

Interesting subject and well written

I enjoyed reading a new and different subject and how scent can play a part in our lives. As a retired search dog trainer I know that what the author is relating to how scent can be perceived is very true. The ending was beautiful constructed.

Richly descriptive

I hung on ever word even rewinding to hear some paragraphs over and over. I ordered a couple paperbacks. One to keep and highlight as well as one to personally hand to intimate friends. I did not want to let the characters go but the ending was perfect.

Delightfully engrossing!

Having never read a book by Erica Burmeister before I was delightfully surprised at how immediately engrossed I became - and I proceeded to finish it in two days, reading the hard copy after starting it on Audible. It’s all fantastic reality. Try it, you won’t be sorry!

very good

it was recommended by a friend. it was really very good. it kept me coming back for more.

I never wanted it to end

It started out slow for me but was Completely worth it. Will definitely listen again.

Olfactory Play

You know that moment when you're reading and you wade into a vivid description or new concept that cracks open your imagination? I found myself reveling in that magic throughout this book. Evocative and clever, scent takes center stage. I found myself immersed in the life of Emmeline and pausing to untangle the notes of the scents around me. Narration was tolerable. I found it distracting with the lilt at the end sentences generally ending on a high note. The men's voices, not a fan. Overall, a perfect Beach Read that harnesses your mind and nose, plunging you into new realms of discovery. Enjoy!

Must Read!!!!

This book is such a great storyline and kept me wanting more!! Stellar performance. Easily in my top 10 books this past year!!!! Looking for more by this author.

what an interesting story so different

loved it so wanted it to be real highly recommend it you won't regret it

Reminiscent

This was so comforting to listen to. very easy listening, good storyline, wanted more from the end, felt it left it open... characters are interesting and different, yet cosy. does spark emotions that smells can bring.

Great read!!!

Loved it, couldn't put it down. Very unusual but quite interesting. Superbly written and would listen again.

A wonderful fairytale

Emmeline is an endearing character, the story is charming and the idea based on the sense of smell being her best tool in the discovery of herself and the world, is fascinating

What a lovely book!

Makes you think how you perceive scents and colours, your abstract thinking. And also made me think about my happy place and scents that bring comfort

Not a story I could identify with

Got to the last couple of hours and gave up. didn't connect with any of the characters, it's an odd premise to begin with. Are the scent keepers supposed to be magical/mystical or just people who really like perfume, it was never clear!

A beautiful and peculiar story

The narrators voice to a while to get used to -it didn’t fit with the character, but it was quite soothing and otherly. The imagery of the island and the smells was very evocative. I have been searching ways to go to Canada to smell them for myself

love this book so much

loved this book on so many levels. the memory of the scents, the nature of the scents....a lovely thinking about people and things based on the scents we smell. really loved this book and didnt want it to end.

The most beautiful wordly book

I have never come across a book more unique and with a breathtaking story, I wish to read over again, as soon as I was done. This is one of my favorite books I have read in my adult life.......I do read a lot, wink. Please write a book 2. So much more story to tell. Please "lark" go back to the island.

Great book, different perspective on senses

Really liked this book. Did enjoy the ending, although would have liked more detail....maybe a book 2 please?