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Itr | Perfume Creation, Self-Discovery, and The Art of Allure | Biography of a Perfume Artisan

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About the

"Itr" is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey into the world of perfume creation and self-discovery. The story follows Vipul Suri, a promising perfume artisan, as he seeks to create his signature fragrance that reflects his soul. Along the way, he encounters his enigmatic grandfather, Raghunath Sahai Suri, a renowned perfumer, who becomes his mentor.

As Vipul delves into the art of perfume-making, he travels the world, drawing inspiration from diverse landscapes and cultures. However, creating his masterpiece proves to be a formidable challenge as he navigates the fine line between tradition and creativity, facing self-doubt and learning patience and perseverance.

The novel beautifully intertwines Vipul's personal journey of self-discovery with his quest for the perfect scent. Memories resurface, emotions stir, and hidden desires are unlocked through the power of scent. Readers are immersed in the artistry of perfume-making, where each ingredient tells a story and evokes emotions.

"Itr" invites readers to explore the transformative power of fragrance, where it becomes a metaphor for life itself. It captures the allure of scent, the trials and triumphs of creation, and its profound impact on our perceptions, memories, and identity. This immersive novel resonates long after the final page, offering a sensory and emotional experience.

About the

Coming from a family deeply entrenched in the fragrance industry, this individual belongs to a self-owned perfume house, celebrated as a pioneering Attar manufacturer. The family's perfumery legacy dates back to the 1950s when their grandfather initiated a small perfumery establishment in their hometown, Lucknow, India. This familial foundation set the stage for his journey into the realms of fragrance creation, manufacturing, and business management.

His early fascination with perfumery ignited during high school, and his education in Pharmaceutical Science further broadened their knowledge, encompassing elements like cosmetics, chemistry, herbs, and analysis. The intricate world of fragrances, both natural and synthetic, was largely self-taught, with guidance from perfumery literature. It took him four dedicated years to refine their skills and produce commercially successful fragrances.

Intriguingly, he also delved into the ancient art of creating Attars, employing traditional distillation methods that spanned several months. This process not only demanded patience but also deepened his understanding of natural ingredients. Expanding his horizons, he ventured into the global fragrance industry as an expert and evaluator, contributing their expertise to various product categories for clients across over five countries, serving numerous consumers, and continually evolving as a professional. He firmly believes that perfumery is an everlasting odyssey of learning, growth, and creation, where each fragrance conceals an unseen sensuality, waiting to be realized.

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2023

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Vipul Suri

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Ishan Agrawal.
928 reviews46 followers
December 28, 2023
Being creative is no child's play. I personally feel it is something inbuilt and can't be acquired. Though the other extreme of it being ephemeral if not practiced actively over a period of time might hold true as it just alineates one from their pronounced proficiency . And if someone wants to reach that level of expertise in a field that he has inherited from his family it becomes all the more trickier.

Most of us use perfume (इत्र) in our daily life but how many of us have actually thought about it as a business proposition which the author had to as he hails from a family that is adept in the art of allure. He is hell bent on creating his signature fragrance that reflects his soul and trudges on a voyage around the world to realise his dream. On the path he comes across various beings and challenges that alters the way he use to view life in general.

Author has beautifully captured his journey which showcases so many learnings not only as a perfume artisan but in general as well. There is a thin line between tradition and creativitiy and to navigate that requires perseverance and immense patience. The way author has personified each ingredient which in itself tells a tale shows the peadantic eye he has and how so much work goes in making something which is kind of indispensable part of many people's lives. The literary elements employed are pretty apt as well and the metaphorical representation of scent goes a long way in showing its profound impact on our perceptions, memories, and identity.

All in all a sensory and emotional experience to our psyche.
Profile Image for Sayani.
346 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2024
🥀Itr, as the title mentions is a fragrant Odyssey poured out from the heart of the creator himself narrates the story of the author showcasing his life and journey as an perfume artisan, where he also encounters with his grandfather Raghunath Sahai Suri, a renowned perfume artisan himself who becomes his mentor for this journey.
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🥀This book bridges a beautiful connection between the odyssey of perfume making and its connection with human spirit and soul transcending in the waves of storytelling transporting us to the realm of perfume creation embarking all the readers on this beautiful journey
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🥀Reading this book makes one realise how a fragrance one uses is a reflection of oneself and true reflection of our persona and how the fragrance we use daily is very emotionally etched with us triggering our sensory and psychological needs.
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🥀This feels like a very intimate account of an artisan creation and along with the exploration of innovative insights and perspective along with evaluation of perfume with its natural and synthetic ingredients. This book kind of stops time and makes us look back at a very use item of ours with which our life is entangled but we don't often dwell so deep into it.
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🥀This was an unique read for me that is gonna stay with me for a long time. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book, written in a very engaging style with easily comprehensible usage of words showcasing a new perspective and the dynamic of the world of perfume and pointing out many interesting attributes about it was an absolute delight to read.
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40 reviews
January 4, 2024
"Itr: A Fragrant Odyssey" hooked me from page one. It's not just about fancy perfumes and far-off lands, though it's got plenty of those too. It's about Vipul, a regular guy like you or me, figuring out who he is and where he belongs. He's got this amazing grandpa, a perfume wizard, who takes him on a whirlwind adventure around the world. Think Indiana Jones, but instead of finding buried treasure, they're sniffing out the secrets of scent hidden in dusty markets and ancient rituals.

Along the way, Vipul mixes up more than just perfumes. He's wrestling with questions about family, love, and what makes life tick. Each whiff of a new aroma – from spicy Moroccan bazaars to delicate French flower fields – unlocks a memory, a feeling, a piece of the puzzle that is him. It's like he's building his own personal scent map, and we get to follow along on the journey.

This book isn't just fun, it's deep too. It made me think about the hidden meanings in everyday smells, the way scents can trigger powerful emotions and bring back long-forgotten moments. It's like magic, really. And even if you're not a perfume fanatic (like me!), you'll still enjoy the ride. It's a story about finding your own unique blend, your own special "it," and that's something anyone can relate to.

So, if you're looking for a read that's equal parts adventure, self-discovery, and surprisingly good smells, give "Itr: A Fragrant Odyssey" a try. You might just discover something amazing about yourself along the way.
170 reviews
January 3, 2024
Passion knows no bounds! Tons of people are out there looking after creating a big difference in lives of their own or people around them. However, the so-called notion of one’s calling is a very rare gift. Itr features one such story where something as mere as a perfume fits responsible for a person’s transformative career.
Hence, more than a biography, Itr is a blend of emotions and lots and lots of creativity than usual when it comes to narrating the actual turn of events consisting of the backstory of anything big.
The book features Vipul Suri, a capable perfume artisan, whose profession serves the actual meaning of his passion. Amongst the millions of crafts and pursuits in the world, perfume making does sound quite absurd at first, however, after reading the whole story, the idea completely makes sense.
In fact, some concepts of this story sound way too poetic to be a part of the actual world. Perfume making for Vipul is a lot more than a mere inherited career. It is his family’s legacy, his expertise and professionalism and in fact, the very metaphor of his life.
Relating the world of fragrance and scents with symbolism, memories and emotions, this book showcases this unique perspective of the author’s self discovery through his journey of finding the best scent that exhibits his very own demeanor.
16 reviews
January 22, 2024
Vipul Suri's "Itr" is a captivating exploration of the delicate interplay between perfume creation, self-discovery, and the enigmatic art of allure. From the very outset, the author invites readers into a world where fragrances are not just scents but intricate expressions of identity and emotion.

One of the remarkable aspects of "Itr" is the meticulous attention to detail in describing the process of perfume making. Suri provides a window into the artisan's workshop, where raw materials are transformed into liquid poetry. The reader becomes a silent witness to the alchemical blend of essential oils, the careful selection of notes, and the delicate balance required to create a symphony of scents. It's an explanation to the author's commitment to authenticity and his desire to demystify the often-guarded world of perfumery.

The art of allure, as presented in the book, goes beyond the physical fragrance itself. It becomes a metaphor for the captivating nature of the protagonist's life story. Suri skillfully intertwines the allure of scent with the allure of a life lived passionately and authentically. The book challenges readers to reflect on their own journeys, encouraging a deeper exploration of personal identity and the pursuit of one's true passions. Reccomendable!
523 reviews12 followers
December 29, 2023
"Itr" is a captivating novel that tells the story of Vipul Suri, a talented perfume maker, on a journey to create a scent that reflects who he is. Along the way, he gets guidance from his mysterious grandfather, Raghunath Sahai Suri, who is an expert in making perfumes.

The book takes us to different parts of the world as Vipul learns about the art of making perfume. It's not an easy task as he has to balance tradition and creativity while dealing with self-doubt and learning to be patient.

The story is not just about making perfume; it's also about Vipul discovering more about himself. The book shows how scents can bring back memories, stir emotions, and reveal hidden desires.

"Itr" invites readers to think about how fragrance can be like a metaphor for life. It talks about the challenges and successes in creating something, and how smells can impact our memories and who we are. Even after finishing the book, the feelings and experiences linger, making it a memorable and touching read.
169 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2024
This book seamlessly blending the scientific intricacies of fragrance creation with the emotional nuances of self-discovery. This story revolves around Vipul who is discovering more about himself. The book shows how scents can bring back memories, stir emotions, and reveal hidden desires. Perfume making for Vipul is a lot more than a mere inherited career. It is his family’s legacy, his expertise and professionalism and in fact, the very metaphor of his life.

Reading this book was not that easy as it talks about lot of thing. But the author must be appreciated for writing this so appropriately. The narration was perfect. Writing style of the author is good. The book had a flow which it didn't lost till the end. It has the power to give us a chill.

The Book is very much organized and described very well with a simple and reasonable language. The cover and the title goes very well with it. Generally this an exceptionally persuasive book which filled me with energy and I might want to prescribe this book to everybody.
72 reviews
February 8, 2024
From the very first page, as a reader I got engaged with the world of scent through which a life story unfolds. The book's title, "Itr," meaning perfume in Urdu, sets the stage for a narrative that goes beyond the conventional, offering insights
of perfume creation, and the art of creativity.

Vipul Suri’s writing is very good, it dances effortlessly between the scientific intricacies of perfume-making and the deeply personal moments of the protagonist's life. The narrative structure is a testament to the author's skill, seamlessly weaving together the chronological development of fragrances with pivotal moments in the artisan's journey. Each chapter is worth reading and won't let you stop in between.

It's a testament to the artistry of storytelling and the profound impact that the sense of smell can have on our understanding of the world. Whether you are a perfume enthusiast, a lover of biographies, or someone seeking a literary experience that transcends the ordinary, "Itr" is a must-read that will leave you enchanted and inspired.
28 reviews
January 3, 2024
"Itr" is a literary masterpiece that elevates the biography genre into a realm of scented prose and emotional resonance.

Vipul Suri's writing shines as he unravels the life of a perfume artisan, seamlessly blending the scientific intricacies of fragrance creation with the emotional nuances of self-discovery. The pages are infused with the essence of creativity, making it more than a book.

The author's descriptive prowess enables readers to not just understand the art but to feel it, smell it, and become enveloped in the delicate dance of scents and emotions. "Itr" is quite a wonderful book that represents the transformative power of storytelling. I really enjoyed reading it knowing the facts behind different smells.
513 reviews4 followers
January 8, 2024
"Itr" by Vipul Suri is an insightful book that delves deep into the heart of perfume artistry. Suri's narrative brilliance takes readers on a ride through the creative process, revealing the alchemical secrets behind each fragrance.

What sets this biography apart is its seamless integration of the personal and professional, as the protagonist's journey mirrors the delicate balance required in crafting scents. The allure of "Itr" lies not only in its informative narrative but in the emotional depth that permeates every chapter. Suri masterfully captures the essence of self-discovery and the intoxicating world of perfumery, making this book an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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