Pages: 384
Source: Publisher (Blog Tour)
Released: 2012
Rating: 3.75/5
Synopsis:
Jac and Robbie L’Etoile are heirs to the famous and once profitable L’Etoile Parfumerie in France. Her brother, Robbie has a great trained nose, while Jac has the true talent. Unfortunately, since the death of her mother, Jac has moved to America and left the business in Robbie’s hands. Jac is haunted by her past, and could not continue to immerse herself in that world. Robbie is facing financial ruin, and has been hinting at a great discovery that could save the family business. When he tries to enlist Jac’s help to formulate the mysterious and possibly powerful perfume, Jac refuses. When her brother goes missing, she has to return to the world she left behind.
Review:
The Book of Lost Fragrances is very difficult to sum up; the novel is multilayered and full of pertinent details. This was my first experience with M J Rose, and she clearly is a talented writer. Full of mystery, suspense, and historical fiction, the novel is not easy to categorize either. M J Rose has developed a unique and absorbing read.
The premise of perfume and reincarnation is really interesting. There is no denying that scents can evoke memories, but can a perfume be a key to memory and ultimately memories of a former life? M J Rose had a lot of offer in this novel, and she did a great job weaving a complex novel with alternating perspectives.
I really enjoyed this one; it felt really unique and different from what I normally read. I was really surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. It may seem weird but novels about perfume, immediately reminds me of Perfume by Patrick Suskind while really disturbed me. So, I’m a little reluctant to read books about perfume. I’m really glad that I gave this one a change.
It's such an interesting concept. I'm glad you liked it. I hosted Ms. Rose a couple of weeks ago. Her guest posts have been great. The book is on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this one too. I do not wear perfume myself but I was fascinated with the discussion of the different perfumes in this book and I loved the parts from the past.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one. I love perfume so I was fascinated with the historical aspect!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! This book has been getting a lot of good press lately, and I will be reading it soon. Your review captures the essence of the book very nicely. Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteGreat review this really does sound unique and interesting. I hadn't heard much about it before though I remember the cover.
ReplyDeleteI've put off reading this one, because the synopsis didn't immediately pull me in. But I keep seeing reviews and every ONE of them has been positive. I finally gave in and put it on my TBR last week. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteI can't say I've ever read a book about perfume, so this would be a new experience for me! Glad the chance you took on this one paid off!
ReplyDeleteYay! I am so glad you enjoyed this one so much. Can't wait to read it now. Sounds like such a unique topic.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of this one. Of memories eing captured in scents and whatnot. Sounds like an interesting read. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting on this one and I'm glad to hear it's worth the wait.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading this one, especially after several good reviews such as yours.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, this book sounds so intriguing!! :) You know you have an original book when it's about how perfume can trigger memories of past lives -- I never would've thought of that before LOL! I'm not a fan of wearing perfume myself, but this kind of makes me want to try! x)
ReplyDeleteAwesome review, Mrs. Q! :)
I enjoyed this one too.
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot of good things about this one. I need to give Rose's work a try.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading this book right now and am really enjoying it. You're right that the plot is pretty complex; I'm already wondering how I'm going to review it!
ReplyDeleteI've been seeing this around, but yours is the first review I've actually read about it. Sounds fascinating! Another book that involved perfume is The Hollow. The main character likes to mix her own.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this title - rated it 4.75 out of 5. I thought the writing was outstanding.
ReplyDeleteThis is a story about things greater than any individual, but also every individuals power to do great things.
ReplyDeleteM J Rose's The Book of Lost Fragrances is an ambitious novel very well executed - highly recommended.
Penelope
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Liberally descriptive, involving and evoking the senses. I enjoyed it so much that I bought a copy for a friend. Who knew, that historically, there was an artisan niche for glove perfumers? History + mystery, with touches of the exotic and the esoteric. Very enjoyable! Plan to investigate author Rose's other books.
ReplyDeleteHyacinth
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