What do you think?
Rate this book
The Perfumer's Secret
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 house in France. It is only the rally to the frontlines that saves her from sharing his bed.
When she receives an unexpected letter from Aimery's estranged brother, Fleurette is left holding a terrible secret, and the sparks of a powerful passion. Her discoveries risk shattering the two families, bringing tragedy to both their perfume empires.
The Perfumer's Secret is an intoxicating feast for the senses, a dramatic story of duty, deception and desire.
When she receives an unexpected letter from Aimery's estranged brother, Fleurette is left holding a terrible secret, and the sparks of a powerful passion. Her discoveries risk shattering the two families, bringing tragedy to both their perfume empires.
The Perfumer's Secret is an intoxicating feast for the senses, a dramatic story of duty, deception and desire.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2015
175 people are currently reading
951 people want to read
About the author
Fiona McIntosh
70 books1,983 followersFiona writes best selling historical adventure-romance alongside the heroic-romantic, often brutal, fantasy she built her career upon. She lives in Australia but frequently roams the world meticulously researching the locations and gathering material for her historical novels that have international settings. Her books are published worldwide and in various languages.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
December 8, 2016
As Fleurette Delacroix walked on the arm of her elder brother Henri, she knew this was the end of life as she’d known it. The only daughter of the exclusive perfume house in Grasse, the hatred she felt for the man she was headed toward was all-consuming. But Henri knew all the arguments – the marriage of a Delacroix to a De Lasset was expected. Fleurette had to toe the line; the two families, both of perfume empires, needed to unite. Fleurette would marry Aimery whether she wanted to or not. Her twin brother Felix felt sympathy for the plight his sister was facing, but he too told her she needed to accept what was meant to be…
But World War I was imminent – and when the cathedral bells sounded on Fleurette’s wedding night and her husband immediately prepared and left for the frontlines, she felt nothing but relief. She knew she would eventually have to share his bed, but for now she was safe. Her worry was for her brothers though, as they too boarded the train for the front. Henri and especially Felix would be sadly missed; the all-consuming worry of the women and children left at home was relentless.
The unexpected arrival of a letter from Aimery’s estranged brother Sébastien demanding Fleurette not marry his brother shocked her – the letter was too late, but it also told her nothing. When eventually she learned Sébastien’s secret, her anguish was intense; the disbelief took her breath away. It was a secret so deep it could destroy the two most important families in a heartbeat.
Wow! Australian Fiona McIntosh is an exceptional writer – she is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Meticulous and detailed research took me through the town of Grasse from 1914 to 1918, where I appreciated the beautifully painted word pictures of the perfume factory, how each of the flowers played their part in the making of the perfumes. I enjoyed (most of) the characters, especially the volatile and outspoken Graciela. And the glimpse of WWI and the angst of the families waiting for news was heartbreaking. My copy of The Perfumer's Secret is beautiful. The beginning of each chapter has a spread of roses at the side, and inside the front cover is a full coloured mass of beautiful pink roses.
I have no hesitation in highly recommending The Perfumer’s Secret to fans of Historical Fiction.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my copy to read and review.
But World War I was imminent – and when the cathedral bells sounded on Fleurette’s wedding night and her husband immediately prepared and left for the frontlines, she felt nothing but relief. She knew she would eventually have to share his bed, but for now she was safe. Her worry was for her brothers though, as they too boarded the train for the front. Henri and especially Felix would be sadly missed; the all-consuming worry of the women and children left at home was relentless.
The unexpected arrival of a letter from Aimery’s estranged brother Sébastien demanding Fleurette not marry his brother shocked her – the letter was too late, but it also told her nothing. When eventually she learned Sébastien’s secret, her anguish was intense; the disbelief took her breath away. It was a secret so deep it could destroy the two most important families in a heartbeat.
Wow! Australian Fiona McIntosh is an exceptional writer – she is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Meticulous and detailed research took me through the town of Grasse from 1914 to 1918, where I appreciated the beautifully painted word pictures of the perfume factory, how each of the flowers played their part in the making of the perfumes. I enjoyed (most of) the characters, especially the volatile and outspoken Graciela. And the glimpse of WWI and the angst of the families waiting for news was heartbreaking. My copy of The Perfumer's Secret is beautiful. The beginning of each chapter has a spread of roses at the side, and inside the front cover is a full coloured mass of beautiful pink roses.
I have no hesitation in highly recommending The Perfumer’s Secret to fans of Historical Fiction.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my copy to read and review.
August 23, 2017
Fleurette Delacroix is being forced to marry a man she despises, Aimery De Lasset. Both Fleurette and Amiery come from families that run successful perfume businesses and it is expected that the two of them marry even though Fleurette has no desire to be Aimery's wife.
World War I was looming which meant Aimery would have to leave Fleurette, but neither of them were expecting it to be on their wedding night. Fleurette was pleased to see Amiery leave as her feelings had not shifted toward him, but it also meant saying goodbye to her brothers who must also leave for war.
Fleurette is a little disturbed one day after getting a letter from Aimery's brother warning her not to marry his brother. With no explanation for this warning even though it has come too late, Fleurette is puzzled as to why she has received this warning. In time Fleurette will learn of the deep dark secret that has been hidden for years and could potentially destroy both families.
For those who love to read historical fiction this one is a must read. Aussie author Fiona McIntosh has written a fabulous book which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.
World War I was looming which meant Aimery would have to leave Fleurette, but neither of them were expecting it to be on their wedding night. Fleurette was pleased to see Amiery leave as her feelings had not shifted toward him, but it also meant saying goodbye to her brothers who must also leave for war.
Fleurette is a little disturbed one day after getting a letter from Aimery's brother warning her not to marry his brother. With no explanation for this warning even though it has come too late, Fleurette is puzzled as to why she has received this warning. In time Fleurette will learn of the deep dark secret that has been hidden for years and could potentially destroy both families.
For those who love to read historical fiction this one is a must read. Aussie author Fiona McIntosh has written a fabulous book which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2017
I have read and absolutely enjoyed several of this author’s books, so I was really looking forward to getting into this one. It is set on the eve of World War 1 and Fleurette only daughter of the Delacroix family is being made to marry Aimery De Lasset. The problem is she can’t stand him but when it comes to duty and the family name it appears she has no choice.
War intervenes before the marriage is consummated. Aimery as well as Fleurette’s twin Felix, and their older brother Henri head off to war. Meanwhile along with wedding presents, Fleurette receives a strange letter from Aimery’s brother Sebastien, from whom he has spent his life estranged. So this is a book about secrets. Although I have to admit I thought the initial secret was pretty easy to guess.
As the background to this book is making perfume, something I adore, this should have been a book I would adore. Some of the information about perfume making was interesting but it became too much in the end. There will be plenty of people who will love this story but I was a bit disappointed. It was an okay read but not as good as I was expecting from this author. I thought it could have been much shorter. I found some of the story repetitive and the plot predictable. The love story didn’t convince me at all and I was never that engaged with the characters. It won’t stop me reading this author’s newest book though as others I have read by her have been consistently good.
War intervenes before the marriage is consummated. Aimery as well as Fleurette’s twin Felix, and their older brother Henri head off to war. Meanwhile along with wedding presents, Fleurette receives a strange letter from Aimery’s brother Sebastien, from whom he has spent his life estranged. So this is a book about secrets. Although I have to admit I thought the initial secret was pretty easy to guess.
As the background to this book is making perfume, something I adore, this should have been a book I would adore. Some of the information about perfume making was interesting but it became too much in the end. There will be plenty of people who will love this story but I was a bit disappointed. It was an okay read but not as good as I was expecting from this author. I thought it could have been much shorter. I found some of the story repetitive and the plot predictable. The love story didn’t convince me at all and I was never that engaged with the characters. It won’t stop me reading this author’s newest book though as others I have read by her have been consistently good.
February 9, 2017
I’ve read and enjoyed several other Fiona McIntosh books, and thought this would be similar to her others. The cover is gorgeous, as is the setting, in Grasse, the perfume capital of France, however these were the best parts of the book. My library listed this as historical fiction, but I think it would be more accurate to call it historical romance - with emphasis on the romance rather than the historical.
It was eye-rollingly sentimental and soppy much of the time. It was also quite repetitive, with the same concept being harped on about, over and over.
Being about the 2 major perfume families of Grasse, there was quite a bit of discussion about fragrance and top notes, base notes and heart notes and considerations regarding oriental or floral or other scents and other things that are peculiar to perfumery. Some of it was interesting, but at times, it felt contrived and overdone.
Perhaps I am so especially disappointed in this because I have found all the Fiona McIntosh books that I’ve read before this to be great reads, and so the fact that this was quite average was more disappointing than if I hadn’t been expecting something at a higher level.
It was eye-rollingly sentimental and soppy much of the time. It was also quite repetitive, with the same concept being harped on about, over and over.
Being about the 2 major perfume families of Grasse, there was quite a bit of discussion about fragrance and top notes, base notes and heart notes and considerations regarding oriental or floral or other scents and other things that are peculiar to perfumery. Some of it was interesting, but at times, it felt contrived and overdone.
Perhaps I am so especially disappointed in this because I have found all the Fiona McIntosh books that I’ve read before this to be great reads, and so the fact that this was quite average was more disappointing than if I hadn’t been expecting something at a higher level.
February 11, 2019
Историите на авторката са много интересни, но някак не могат да ме завладеят напълно. Има нещо , което не им достига.
Има много богат език. На моменти имах чувството , че различавам описаните аромати.
Но повече набляга на описанията. В тази книга на ароматите , в миналата на шоколада.
А същинските събития се случват някак набързо и не ме убедиха.
Почти няма диалози , което за мен също е минус.
Българското издание е много красиво, за което адмирации.
Разбрах от книгата, че моето най-любимо цвете - момината сълза е отровно.
Авторката си задава въпроса дали и любовта не е такава.
"Имаше власт да доставя странно чувство на радост, но колкото по-високо се извисяват емоциите на човек,толкова по-жестоко е падането,когато тя си отиде или бъде застрашена."
Много ми хареса следната мисъл:
"Никога не можеш да разглезиш дете с обич.Тя не струва нищо."
Има много богат език. На моменти имах чувството , че различавам описаните аромати.
Но повече набляга на описанията. В тази книга на ароматите , в миналата на шоколада.
А същинските събития се случват някак набързо и не ме убедиха.
Почти няма диалози , което за мен също е минус.
Българското издание е много красиво, за което адмирации.
Разбрах от книгата, че моето най-любимо цвете - момината сълза е отровно.
Авторката си задава въпроса дали и любовта не е такава.
"Имаше власт да доставя странно чувство на радост, но колкото по-високо се извисяват емоциите на човек,толкова по-жестоко е падането,когато тя си отиде или бъде застрашена."
Много ми хареса следната мисъл:
"Никога не можеш да разглезиш дете с обич.Тя не струва нищо."
November 16, 2016
This is a glorious tale of love, family and loss. Set in the outset of World War 1, this is a stunningly beautiful portrayal of a woman striving to be herself, of brothers trying to prove themselves and of love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this glorious book and would highly recommend it to anyone, but especially to this who enjoy historical romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this glorious book and would highly recommend it to anyone, but especially to this who enjoy historical romance.
July 18, 2024
3 stars
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Madeleine Leslay
Duration: 13 hrs, 26 min. 1.25x Speed
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Madeleine Leslay
Duration: 13 hrs, 26 min. 1.25x Speed
February 18, 2016
1- her love interest reminds her repeatedly of her brother- Ewwww
2- her love interest may be her brother
3- she falls in love in a day
4- her brother losing his sense of smell is said to be worse then the grief of both her parents dying- WHAT
5- the first HALF of the book explains repeatedly about the various wafts of jasmine that float through the town grasse
6- HER LOVE INTEREST REMINDS HER OF HER BROTHER! She even says they could pass as the same person when standing side by side, and in a book where the main plot is of inbred children that is a disturbing claim to make. And even more disturbing she was turned on in the very next sentence.
We didn't meet her love interest until 2/3 through
7- unbelievable and predictable
2- her love interest may be her brother
3- she falls in love in a day
4- her brother losing his sense of smell is said to be worse then the grief of both her parents dying- WHAT
5- the first HALF of the book explains repeatedly about the various wafts of jasmine that float through the town grasse
6- HER LOVE INTEREST REMINDS HER OF HER BROTHER! She even says they could pass as the same person when standing side by side, and in a book where the main plot is of inbred children that is a disturbing claim to make. And even more disturbing she was turned on in the very next sentence.
We didn't meet her love interest until 2/3 through
7- unbelievable and predictable
September 28, 2015
The Perfumer's Secret is Fiona McIntosh's seventh historical tale of romance. Set in the Provence region of France during World War 1, it's a story of duty, secrets, love, family and perfume.
Dramatic and romantic, the plot of The Perfumer's Secret centers around Fleurette Delacroix. To secure the futures of Grasse's eminent perfumery dynasties, Fleurette is forced to wed Aimery De Lasset by her eldest brother, Henri. Though resigned to her fate, it's a relief when war is declared before the marriage is consummated and De Lasset rides off to join the French troops marching against the invasion of Germany. With the men, including Fleurette's brother away at war, it is left to her to ensure that both family business continue to flourish, a challenge she is more than capable of, for Fleurette has 'the nose', a rare ability to distinguish over 3000 scents. But when Fleurette's husband's estranged brother, Sebastien De Lasset, appears in Grasse, he carries a secret that could destroy everything both families have built, and break Fleurette's heart.
Fleurette is a lovely character, from the first pages she demonstrates spirit, courage and patience, and continues to mature over the course of the novel. Given the era she has few options when Henri insists she marries Aimery, but she doesn't let it dampen her hopes that she will find a place in the family business, and she copes admirably with the scandal and tragedy that befalls her. Aimery is an uncomplicated villain, arrogant, boorish and misogynistic, while Sebastien is a traditional heroic character. The romance that develops between Fleurette and Sebastien is easy to root for.
McIntosh's deftly weaves historical fact into her fiction. The story is meticulously researched, in terms of location, period and the specifics of the perfumery industry. McIntosh describes the study she undertook in the back of the book, spending time in Grasse, interviewing perfumers, visiting museums, and creating a signature scent. I don't wear perfume (my husband is allergic) but I still found learning about its production and scents interesting.
An easy, engaging and pleasant read, The Perfumer's Secret is a grand historical love story ideal for francophiles and romantics.
October 19, 2015
Fiona's books can be a bit hit or miss, and weirdly enough this was a little of both for me. I was really enjoying it until about 2/3rds through where she fell in love in a day and everything just started getting real fast. For a book whose beginning was quite slow the end was quite a quick and sudden affair leaving me thinking, "oh is that it? Is it over?" I liked the setting, I loved Fleurette, I liked hearing about the perfume industry and the smells that go into it. Really, there were a lot of things I liked about this book. The end just rushed by me so fast, too fast for me to really enjoy. But on the scale on things this is one of Fiona's better works.
July 26, 2018
Тази книга имах голям мерак да я прочета, тъй като адски ме привлече фактът, че е свързана с парфюми и ухания.
Уви, имах глупостта да я прочета след като прочетох от същата авторка "Кутия шоколад". Голяма грешка. Двете книги имат една и съща основа, общо скеле, върху което са градени историите и автоматично втората книга ми дойде скучна, независимо колко реално е интересна или добре написана. Направо ме е яд, че си убих така удоволствието от четивото, но не очаквах толкова очевидна да е основата, на която си гради историите Макинтош. Определено създава неприятното усещане, че пише книгите си като на поточна линия. Това никога не е на добре. Колкото и да се опитваш да се потопиш в историята, не те напуска усещането, че не е писана със страст и чувство, а просто машинално и защото някой е поръчал на авторката да напише нещо по зададена тема. Тъжно е и убива всякакво желание за по-нататъшно запознаване с творчеството на дадения автор. Такива са ми чувствата спрямо Макинтош след прочита на книгата - разочарование и раздразнение. :/
Убедена съм, че ако първо бях прочела тази книга щях да съм с много по-различно мнение, но прочетох другата нейна и така си убих щастието от потапянето в света на уханията, за което адски ме е яд, защото имаше някои много красиви описания, свързани със създаването на един парфюм. Тъжност, тъжност.
Уви, имах глупостта да я прочета след като прочетох от същата авторка "Кутия шоколад". Голяма грешка. Двете книги имат една и съща основа, общо скеле, върху което са градени историите и автоматично втората книга ми дойде скучна, независимо колко реално е интересна или добре написана. Направо ме е яд, че си убих така удоволствието от четивото, но не очаквах толкова очевидна да е основата, на която си гради историите Макинтош. Определено създава неприятното усещане, че пише книгите си като на поточна линия. Това никога не е на добре. Колкото и да се опитваш да се потопиш в историята, не те напуска усещането, че не е писана със страст и чувство, а просто машинално и защото някой е поръчал на авторката да напише нещо по зададена тема. Тъжно е и убива всякакво желание за по-нататъшно запознаване с творчеството на дадения автор. Такива са ми чувствата спрямо Макинтош след прочита на книгата - разочарование и раздразнение. :/
Убедена съм, че ако първо бях прочела тази книга щях да съм с много по-различно мнение, но прочетох другата нейна и така си убих щастието от потапянето в света на уханията, за което адски ме е яд, защото имаше някои много красиви описания, свързани със създаването на един парфюм. Тъжност, тъжност.
September 7, 2020
Безспорно далеч от класата на "Кутия шоколад".Да не говорим,че тайната става очевидна още от първите страници и някакси, нямаше го нещото, което да държи вниманието.Дори беше леко скучновата на места.
June 5, 2016
A richly hued tale of love and adversity at a time of great upheaval.
Born into one of Grasse’s elite perfumier families, Fleurette Delacroix is beautiful, intelligent and has The Nose, a rare yet crucial skill for perfume creation. It’s 1915; as a high-born woman Fleurette is forbidden from any official role in the business and instead forced to marry the owner of the neighbouring De Lasset estate to bind two great perfume houses. Then, on the night of her wedding, the men of Grasse are mobilised for war. The women take on the tasks of their men and though still curtailed by convention from becoming the perfume maker she longs to be, Fleurette takes over management of the estate. When her brother-in-law Sebastien walks into her life, wounded and handsome and bearing a devastating family secret, Fleurette faces her biggest challenge. Will Sebastien save her—or ruin her?
Fiona McIntosh delivers another evocative tale of women who find their strength through adversity and the men who love them. Set among the famous rose fields of Grasse, scent is very present and it’s easy to feel transported to that time and place, to feel the sun on your face and inhale the fragrance of the fields. Though set at the start of the Great War this isn’t a story of war, but of those left behind, of the upheaval caused to a carefully ordered and gendered social structure. As always, McIntosh provides plenty of contextual information about the cultural norms and societal expectations. On occasion that context threatens to overwhelm the storyline, yet the tale moves along at a good pace with plenty to intrigue. The details of perfume creation are fascinating and instructive: I certainly feel I’ll be a more informed purchaser next time I’m shopping for scent. One or two of the early secrets may be a touch predictable but these secrets are layered and some of the latter revelations you definitely won’t see coming!
In The Perfumer’s Secret McIntosh delivers another immersive and fascinating tale that does what all good escapist historical fiction should do: educate as it entertains. I finished the novel feeling I’d been to Grasse in 1915 without the worry of war or all those crushing social conventions. If you enjoy sweeping stories of love and adversity set in a previous time, you’ll love The Perfumer’s Secret.
To read an interview with Fiona McIntosh about The Perfumer's Secret drop by http://rowenaholloway.com/writers-blo...
*Thanks to Penguin Random House for an ARC
Born into one of Grasse’s elite perfumier families, Fleurette Delacroix is beautiful, intelligent and has The Nose, a rare yet crucial skill for perfume creation. It’s 1915; as a high-born woman Fleurette is forbidden from any official role in the business and instead forced to marry the owner of the neighbouring De Lasset estate to bind two great perfume houses. Then, on the night of her wedding, the men of Grasse are mobilised for war. The women take on the tasks of their men and though still curtailed by convention from becoming the perfume maker she longs to be, Fleurette takes over management of the estate. When her brother-in-law Sebastien walks into her life, wounded and handsome and bearing a devastating family secret, Fleurette faces her biggest challenge. Will Sebastien save her—or ruin her?
Fiona McIntosh delivers another evocative tale of women who find their strength through adversity and the men who love them. Set among the famous rose fields of Grasse, scent is very present and it’s easy to feel transported to that time and place, to feel the sun on your face and inhale the fragrance of the fields. Though set at the start of the Great War this isn’t a story of war, but of those left behind, of the upheaval caused to a carefully ordered and gendered social structure. As always, McIntosh provides plenty of contextual information about the cultural norms and societal expectations. On occasion that context threatens to overwhelm the storyline, yet the tale moves along at a good pace with plenty to intrigue. The details of perfume creation are fascinating and instructive: I certainly feel I’ll be a more informed purchaser next time I’m shopping for scent. One or two of the early secrets may be a touch predictable but these secrets are layered and some of the latter revelations you definitely won’t see coming!
In The Perfumer’s Secret McIntosh delivers another immersive and fascinating tale that does what all good escapist historical fiction should do: educate as it entertains. I finished the novel feeling I’d been to Grasse in 1915 without the worry of war or all those crushing social conventions. If you enjoy sweeping stories of love and adversity set in a previous time, you’ll love The Perfumer’s Secret.
To read an interview with Fiona McIntosh about The Perfumer's Secret drop by http://rowenaholloway.com/writers-blo...
*Thanks to Penguin Random House for an ARC
December 5, 2015
I really wanted to like this as I have enjoyed most of her other books but this read like a bad soap opera.
February 15, 2020
Леко претупана история.
January 31, 2016
This is my first time reading something by Fiona. I have meet her eyes-to-eyes and I loved her, personally.
Now, being able to read The Perfumer's Secret, I can't believe how it managed to stress me out. I am so annoyed with the annoying characters and that is a sign of a good book. It plays very well with your emotions.
At first, it is a hard book to get into. It consists of new words and new structure of sentences that startle me a bit. But once you get the grip to the writing style, trust me, it won't be hard anymore. As for me, I truly, honestly love the writing style. The whole plot in comparison is not as good as the writing style. The writing style will just simply drives you to the understanding of every character in the book. Sometimes, we just cannot understand why a character does certain things due to the lack of explanation of how they feel. But, in this book, although some of the actions are questionable, I found myself to be able to forgive those and accept it just the way it is. I totally understand how and why every character did what they did. I get it. That's how good the writing is.
But, that doesn't mean the plot is zero. There are parts where stuffs are predictable, but, there are also a lot of things that I didn't see it coming at all. The twist at the end is a shocking one. It makes me tear up, break my heart and that means this book is so good. Some of you might didn't like the plot due to the complications, because at first, that's what I think too. It fulls of family drama and shockingly weird kind of family dramas. As for me, this is not my kind of reading, but, towards the end of the book, I found myself to be enlightened by the whole story. It makes sense and the ending is just so perfect.
Can we just take a moment to appreciate the ending of the book?
It is so PERFECT! No kidding. It is beautiful. Very inspiring, although it is a bit draggy for my preference, but I still like it very much. It resolves perfectly. You totally get into Fleurette's head and understand whatever she is feeling. If a person like Fleurette ever existed, the world is going to a much better place to live in.
I think, women around the world should just give this book a try. This book is not just about a woman who get forced to marry someone she despise, but this book is also about how a woman should be. Instead of being hysteric and emotional and irrational, maybe, all of us should try to be like Fleurette. Forgiving and empowering. She is a broken soul, but being a woman in this book means you have to live up to the 'woman' title. This is rare for me. I have read a lot of dystopian books where the lead characters are females, but, this book gives me a different perspective of being a woman. It's different. It has so much to tell about how a woman should chin up and be feminine all the same.
This is a ridiculously wonderful book that I don't expect to be impressed at all in the beginning. Now, I am regretting my decision not to buy more books by Fiona McIntosh at the Lifeline Bookfest.
Now, being able to read The Perfumer's Secret, I can't believe how it managed to stress me out. I am so annoyed with the annoying characters and that is a sign of a good book. It plays very well with your emotions.
At first, it is a hard book to get into. It consists of new words and new structure of sentences that startle me a bit. But once you get the grip to the writing style, trust me, it won't be hard anymore. As for me, I truly, honestly love the writing style. The whole plot in comparison is not as good as the writing style. The writing style will just simply drives you to the understanding of every character in the book. Sometimes, we just cannot understand why a character does certain things due to the lack of explanation of how they feel. But, in this book, although some of the actions are questionable, I found myself to be able to forgive those and accept it just the way it is. I totally understand how and why every character did what they did. I get it. That's how good the writing is.
But, that doesn't mean the plot is zero. There are parts where stuffs are predictable, but, there are also a lot of things that I didn't see it coming at all. The twist at the end is a shocking one. It makes me tear up, break my heart and that means this book is so good. Some of you might didn't like the plot due to the complications, because at first, that's what I think too. It fulls of family drama and shockingly weird kind of family dramas. As for me, this is not my kind of reading, but, towards the end of the book, I found myself to be enlightened by the whole story. It makes sense and the ending is just so perfect.
Can we just take a moment to appreciate the ending of the book?
It is so PERFECT! No kidding. It is beautiful. Very inspiring, although it is a bit draggy for my preference, but I still like it very much. It resolves perfectly. You totally get into Fleurette's head and understand whatever she is feeling. If a person like Fleurette ever existed, the world is going to a much better place to live in.
I think, women around the world should just give this book a try. This book is not just about a woman who get forced to marry someone she despise, but this book is also about how a woman should be. Instead of being hysteric and emotional and irrational, maybe, all of us should try to be like Fleurette. Forgiving and empowering. She is a broken soul, but being a woman in this book means you have to live up to the 'woman' title. This is rare for me. I have read a lot of dystopian books where the lead characters are females, but, this book gives me a different perspective of being a woman. It's different. It has so much to tell about how a woman should chin up and be feminine all the same.
This is a ridiculously wonderful book that I don't expect to be impressed at all in the beginning. Now, I am regretting my decision not to buy more books by Fiona McIntosh at the Lifeline Bookfest.
August 9, 2025
Slow starter, very exciting 3/4 through, bit teary, then a slow finish. Very ‘Floury’
October 2, 2016
Predictable but pleasant enough. It's honestly only the incest reveal and incest subtext of Fleurette being drawn to her love interest because he reminds her of her favourite brother that make this interesting. The way Fleurette's sense of smell and relation to the perfume business were interesting at first but ultimately it didn't end up having that much to do with the actual plot - it could have been any business and the story would have been the same. Characters held secrets back for no logical reason just to reveal them at dramatic times and then would have gigantic info-dumping conversations that went on for pages. Still, McIntosh must have something to her writing because she's enormously successful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2017
Thank God that's over! I would have abandoned ship if not for a challenge! I usually don't read romance so that didn't help but basically it was Blah! and not wizzingly written. How do some authors get this title of Beloved author then you find the book was tame at the least? I think I once tried another by this author - not again will I go there!
March 12, 2016
Not my signature scent.
June 30, 2018
Este livro tem aspetos interessantes: passa-se na zona de Grasse e fala sobre a produção de perfumes, a colheita das rosas e jasmins, base da economia local; passa-se durante o início da I guerra mundial e fala sobre os seus efeitos devastadores sobre as populações. Conta-nos como Fleurette, filha da família Delacroix, é empurrada para um casamento de conveniência com Aimery De Lasset, membro de outra família de perfumistas, que ela detesta, mas com quem o seu irmão mais velho, Henri, quer estabelecer laços. Com a partida inesperada de todos os homens da aldeia para a guerra, este casamento não é consumado nem legalizado. Entretanto, o irmão de Aimery, que nunca ali viveu, levado pela mãe para Inglaterra antes de nascer, envia uma carta a Fleurette dizendo que tem de impedir esse casamento... A partir daqui, entre alguns factos históricos e interessantes ,a coisa torna-se exageradamente lamechas e exagerada. Houve partes que saltei e tudo, pois as personagens portam-se de forma inverosímil. Na parte final há também algumas cenas exageradamente dramáticas e algumas coisas correm tão mal como seria de esperar... Gostei mais das explicações finais da autora do que de algumas partes do romance.
July 20, 2017
Jasmín. Růže. Ambra. Fialka. Cítíte ve vzduchu déšť, vůni květin nebo ten nejjemnější závan parfému? Fleurette, dcera majitele význačného parfumérského domu, má dar cítit vůně. Smyslem jejího života je kombinovat svěží vůně a snít o svém vlastním parfému. Jenže místo svého snu je přinucena vzít si muže, kterého nenávidí. Je to však výhodné pro její rodinu. Vzápětí je však vyhlášena válka a její manžel odjíždí na frontu. Fluerette začíná nový život v prázdném domě a s novými povinnostmi. Brzy se jí však život obrátí naruby, když se v jejím domě objeví Sebastian, bratr jejího manžela, který pro ni má šokující tajemství. Podaří se Fleurette najít cestu z nenaplněného manželství? A vytvoří jednou skutečně svůj parfém?
Hezký příběh, odehrávající se na začátku 1. světové války, plný vůní. Je div, že stránky samotné nevoní parfémem nebo po jasmínu. Milá kniha o jednom velkém snu, která se příjemně čte. Jen je možná místy až moc pomalá a rozvleklá...
Hezký příběh, odehrávající se na začátku 1. světové války, plný vůní. Je div, že stránky samotné nevoní parfémem nebo po jasmínu. Milá kniha o jednom velkém snu, která se příjemně čte. Jen je možná místy až moc pomalá a rozvleklá...
October 22, 2024
I very much like the writing of Fiona McIntosh. The Lavender Keeper and The Chocolate Tin are favourites of mine. However I didn't warm to the main character in this novel, Fleurette. While I admired her determination to succeed in her goal, I disliked her general disposition.
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
October 3, 2021
So emotional, I cried.
A wonderful story !
After reading the authors notes at the end, it would be wonderful to visit Grasse, France - the setting for this book. A tour of a perfumery factory would be a bonus.
A wonderful story !
After reading the authors notes at the end, it would be wonderful to visit Grasse, France - the setting for this book. A tour of a perfumery factory would be a bonus.
October 6, 2025
Fiona has an amazing ability to make you feel like you are in that exact place and time. Oh how I would love to truly be in the South of France!
December 18, 2025
I gave this a three star review
The ending was quite dramatic, but the start was rather slow.
The ending was quite dramatic, but the start was rather slow.
November 29, 2015
Fleurette is the only daughter of a wealthy French perfume maker, and is forced to marry a man she doesn't love for the good of the family and their perfume dynasty. But before the marriage can be consummated the cathedral bells begin tolling, calling her new husband Aimery away to the WW1 Frontline. While Fleurette waits at home, playing the role of the worried newlywed, Aimery's brother, Sebastian turns up on her doorstep, bringing with him news of a secret that will tear both families apart.
I must have missed something with this one, because although I enjoyed the story, it was hardly the extraordinary, intoxicating and passionate historical romance I was expecting. It felt very predictable, and when Fleurette's husband was called away to war the events that followed seemed to unleash themselves on me in such rapid-fire progression that it just felt forced and unnatural…. a good read, but certainly nothing earth shattering.
I must have missed something with this one, because although I enjoyed the story, it was hardly the extraordinary, intoxicating and passionate historical romance I was expecting. It felt very predictable, and when Fleurette's husband was called away to war the events that followed seemed to unleash themselves on me in such rapid-fire progression that it just felt forced and unnatural…. a good read, but certainly nothing earth shattering.
September 3, 2016
4.5 stars
Fiona McIntosh has the rare gift of being able to take what is a very simple storyline and create a beautifully textured and nuanced novel that I had trouble putting down.
While I'm not usually one for flowery words (there is a pun there, believe me), her descriptions of not only the physical characteristics but also the scents and the emotions carried by different florals, herbs and teas were lovely.
My only gripe is perhaps that the relationship between Fleurette and Sebastien happened too quickly and Fleurette's opinion on the sin of adultery seemed to switch in an instant, when she fell in love. I'm just not sure that twenty-two years of strict belief, which she mentions specifically, would be overthrown by two days with a man - even if he is the right man.
It was the only sour note in what otherwise was a bouquet of rare beauty.
Fiona McIntosh has the rare gift of being able to take what is a very simple storyline and create a beautifully textured and nuanced novel that I had trouble putting down.
While I'm not usually one for flowery words (there is a pun there, believe me), her descriptions of not only the physical characteristics but also the scents and the emotions carried by different florals, herbs and teas were lovely.
My only gripe is perhaps that the relationship between Fleurette and Sebastien happened too quickly and Fleurette's opinion on the sin of adultery seemed to switch in an instant, when she fell in love. I'm just not sure that twenty-two years of strict belief, which she mentions specifically, would be overthrown by two days with a man - even if he is the right man.
It was the only sour note in what otherwise was a bouquet of rare beauty.
October 13, 2016
Too drawn out and flowery in description. I love essentials oils and all that entails but this was too much of the same even for me.
The storyline was ok but it was all about smells and very little on story.
Also the contradictions throughout really started to annoy ie the references to my husband and yet he's not, the carry on about doing the wrong thing but he's not her husband so she's not doing the wrong thing so it doesn't matter and so on.
It grated on me. Too shallow for my liking. I think it could have been much better
The storyline was ok but it was all about smells and very little on story.
Also the contradictions throughout really started to annoy ie the references to my husband and yet he's not, the carry on about doing the wrong thing but he's not her husband so she's not doing the wrong thing so it doesn't matter and so on.
It grated on me. Too shallow for my liking. I think it could have been much better
October 9, 2015
A sumptuous historical fiction set in France at the start of the war. Gorgeous setting, so richly described - this book is very sensory. A great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews