Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
What we're reading

Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

Original poster

Has anyone read perfume?

40 replies

McDreamy · 25/01/2008 08:58

It has been recommended by a friend. Just looked it up on Amazon but not sure if it looks like my kind of book. `is it gruesome?

OP posts:
DaphneHarvey · 26/01/2008 22:18

There was a thread on here a while back - mebbe a year ago (?) - along the lines of "what book did everyone rave about to you but you absolutely hated?" something like that.

And my answer was Perfume by Patrick Suskind. Unreadable pretentious self-conscious shite imo.

Still, plenty of proper Perfume fans here so obv I was missing the point! lol.

dolally · 26/01/2008 22:14

It is unique and not really that gruesome once you get into the book.

The writing is brilliant, even more so when you consider the English version is a translation of the original German. There is not one word in it that "feels" like its been translated from another language iykwim.

Nighbynight · 26/01/2008 22:14

It is a pile of pseudo-intellectual cack, in which the author demonstrates over several hundred pages his total lack of understanding of biology, physics and chemistry.

The f**g Pigeon is even worse.

wolveschick · 26/01/2008 21:15

It's completely unique. I read it all in one go (pre kids) when off work sick and was utterly absorbed. Enjoy

AmersG · 26/01/2008 21:07

This is one of my favourite books, and a favourite of almost everyone I know who has read it!

Countingthegreyhairs · 26/01/2008 20:56

I quite liked Pigeon too.

poshwellies · 26/01/2008 20:56

Just read it last week...The descriptions of the smells within the novel are utterly spell binding I thought,I didn't find the gory bits that bad,just a very thought provoking book..

Good read! I'm going to watch the film to see if they have captured the book-I hope I won't be disapointed.

JackieNo · 26/01/2008 20:48

Get it - it's fab.

janeite · 26/01/2008 20:48

Yes it's brilliant; I've never read anything else like it.

FlameNFurter · 26/01/2008 20:44

Ooh get it!

Countingthegreyhairs · 25/01/2008 09:08

Absolutely brilliant book! And - unlike many novels that are so derivative nowadays -it's original and interesting.

Original poster
McDreamy · 25/01/2008 09:04

ok thanks, might pop to the library to the library to see if they have a copy.

OP posts:
MrsBumblebee · 25/01/2008 09:02

Agree it's very good. Very odd, but very good. I think the gruesomeness depends on whether you're of a sensitive disposition. My mum is, and found bits of it too stomach-churning for her; but if you're not, you should be fine!

hifi · 25/01/2008 09:02

fabulous book, read it.

EffiePerine · 25/01/2008 08:59

It's an excellent book. More chilling than gruesome and very very well-written. Def try it.