Book Review: The Perfume Collector

The Perfume Collector

by Kathleen Tessaro

2013

464 Pages

Synopsis from Goodreads

An inheritance from a mysterious stranger . . .

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

Rating: 5/5 Stars

My Review

This was a super well-written novel, and it drew me in right from the beginning. Not too much description, but enough to make me envision the events actually occurring. The characters were realistic and believable - I really connected with the main character, Grace. It made me happy to see her choices at the end, particular with Mr. Tissot (such a wonderful man!) I loved how the stories all intertwined and how the plot had unique twists and turns throughout. I'll definitely be reading more of her novels, especially if they're anything like this one.