The Perfumer's Secret

By: Fiona McIntosh

Narrated by: Madeleine Leslay

On the eve of the First World War, Fleurette, the only daughter of the wealthy Delacroix perfume dynasty, is being forced to marry a man she loathes, Aimery De Lasset, head of the pre-eminent perfume manufacturer in France. It is only the cathedral bells tolling the rally to the frontlines on her wedding night that save her from sharing his bed. When she receives a letter from Aimery's estranged brother warning against their union, Fleurette is left with the burden of a terrible secret. It is one that has the power to shatter the two families and their perfume empires once and for all.©2015 Fiona McIntosh. By arrangement with Penguin Australia (P)2015 Bolinda Publishing

Passionate, sensuous and close to melodrama

This is a book worth listening to. Based in the France of the first world war, it explores the changing role of women in a society undergoing major upheaval.

Fleurette, born a twin, and gifted with exceptional abilities to detect and analyse perfume, responds to traditional social demands and adapts to the need to support the war effort. It is a novel that is rich in fascinating detail and has historical integrity. Swirling throughout are intense passions and sensuality.

The reader. Because this is written in the first person, the narrator has the opportunity to become the protagonist. This Madeleine Leslay achieves. Her voice matches Fleurette’s age. Her acting is controlled and voice changes for dialogues are unpretentious and work very well. Adding to the sense that she has become Fleurette, her phrasing is often unexpected and suggests spontaneity and a lack of self consciousness.
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Although Leslay gives voice to the passion in this novel, she doesn’t transform it into the melodrama that McIntosh edges towards, especially in the last third of the book which becomes more rushed and improbable
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The intricacies of perfume making were well researched. These details carried the saga of a woman that I didn’t particularly like or was interested in. But maybe my reaction is a testament as to how effectively this book reflects the self conscious social responsibilities of the wealthy that Fleurette morphs into self imposed martyrdom and unlikely speedy recoveries from peronal trauma and tragic losses.