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Cover of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Historical Fiction· Germany

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

by Patrick Süskind
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1985German
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About This Book

When Patrick Süskind published Perfume: The Story of a Murderer in 1985, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of historical fiction. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is a gripping tale set in 18th-century France, following Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man with an extraordinary sense of smell and a dark obsession. Süskind's novel delves into themes of identity, obsession, and the nature of evil, weaving a suspenseful narrative that explores the human senses and the quest for perfection. Themes of obsession, identity, evil run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorPatrick Süskind
Published1985
Country of Origin🇩🇪 Germany
LanguageGerman
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN978-0375725845
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇩🇪 Germany

This book is part of Germany's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

First published in 1985, Patrick Süskind's Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is a work of historical fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with obsession, identity, evil, senses gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. What distinguishes Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is how it handles its central concerns — obsession, identity, evil, senses — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Patrick Süskind's role in the literature of Germany is well established. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
19860
✍️
About the Author
Patrick Süskind
Germany
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Patrick Süskind is a Germany author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer about?

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is a gripping tale set in 18th-century France, following Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man with an extraordinary sense of smell and a dark obsession. Süskind's novel delves into themes of identity, obsession, and the nature of evil, weaving a suspenseful narrative that explores the human senses and the quest for perfection.

Who wrote Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer was written by Patrick Süskind, from Germany. First published in 1985.

What awards has Perfume: The Story of a Murderer won?

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer worth reading?

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in obsession, identity, evil.

Where can I buy Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?

You can buy Perfume: The Story of a Murderer on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer from?

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer originates from Germany's literary tradition. Explore more books from Germany on our country page.

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