Jean-Baptiste Grenouille has no soul. He also has no scent and as a result is viewed as mysterious and evil by those who cared for the orphaned baby. Eventually, his oddities prove too much and his final caretaker casts him into the world to find his own way. He quickly morphs from orphan to bloodhound, seeking out and collecting scents.
The first overpowering scent Grenouille decides he must have is that of a fourteen-year-old virgin. After murdering her, he stays with her body until her scent dissipates. His differences continue to separate him from society, and becoming disgusted by the scents of humankind, he isolates himself in a cave for seven years.
Upon emerging, he goes on a mission to kill, extract, and preserve the scents of - you guessed it - virgins. I am not a fan of spoilers, but this book is so bizarre that even with these give aways, you just may be tempted to read it anyway. Grenouille is caught, convicted and on his way to prison. He is wearing a new scent that he created. The people he passes on his way to prison, accompanied by guards, find his scent so irresistible that they have an orgy in the city center, and eventually they tear him apart and eat him
What does it all mean? I just don't know. This is a translation of a German book that is one of the most read books ever! Two movie versions have been made, one set in medieval times, true to the novel, and one contemporary version. What I can say is that I found the writing mesmerizing. Truly artistic. Beyond that, I remain baffled, even after reading reviews and several scholarly abstracts, I remain clueless.
So, that's that. Pretty vapid post this week...we can only hope next week's book will make more sense to me.
Thanks for stopping by.
Stay healthy. Stay safe. Stay happy.
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