The Perfume Collector

A Novel

By: Kathleen Tessaro

Narrated by: Heather Wilds

A remarkable novel about secrets, desire, memory, passion, and possibility.

Newlywed Grace Monroe doesn’t fit anyone’s expectations of a successful 1950s London socialite, least of all her own. When she receives an unexpected inheritance from a complete stranger, Madame Eva d’Orsey, Grace is drawn to uncover the identity of her mysterious benefactor.

Weaving through the decades, from 1920s New York to Monte Carlo, Paris, and London, the story Grace uncovers is that of an extraordinary women who inspired one of Paris’s greatest perfumers. Immortalized in three evocative perfumes, Eva d’Orsey’s history will transform Grace’s life forever, forcing her to choose between the woman she is expected to be and the person she really is.

The Perfume Collector explores the complex and obsessive love between muse and artist, and the tremendous power of memory and scent.

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!