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  • Perfume

  • Penguin Modern Classics
  • By: Patrick Süskind
  • Narrated by: Sean Barrett
  • Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,090 ratings)
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Perfume cover art

Perfume

By: Patrick Süskind
Narrated by: Sean Barrett
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Summary

A downloadable audiobook edition of the modern classic Perfume read by Sean Barrett.

Survivor, genius, perfumer, killer: This is Jean-Baptiste Grenouille. He is abandoned on the filthy streets of Paris as a child, but grows up to discover he has an extraordinary gift: A sense of smell more powerful than any other human's.

Soon, he is creating the most sublime fragrances in all the city. Yet there is one odour he cannot capture. It is exquisite, magical: The scent of a young virgin. And to get it he must kill. And kill. And kill...

©2014 Patrick Suskind (P)2014 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about Perfume

Average customer ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Stunning! The narration deserves 10 stars.

Didn't know what to expect, other than great narration as it was read by Sean Barrett. Even though I've listened to a lot of books narrated by Sean Barrett, I was surprised to find that he seems to have found yet another new voice for this book. His wonderful narration suits the beautiful language of this book.

It's not the story so much, as the beauty of the prose, the sensual descriptions and the vivid characterisations that I really enjoyed. I'm sure I wouldn't have got the same enjoyment if I'd read the book myself.

As soon as I'd finished listening, I started it again, and I listen to snippets as a treat alongside other books.

And, just like Grenouille who lives in fear of never experiencing a certain smell again, I find myself afraid that one day I won't be able to listen to this audiobook any more.

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating idea

No odour and an unimaginable sense of smell combine to make an intriguing story which is beautifully narrated. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

WoW! what a book Im dumbfound.

What did you like most about Perfume?

This is going to be hard There are no words to describe how much I love this book. I'm not just being colorful I really don't know how to communicate what this book did for me it's nothing short of soul changing I'm not the same person I was when I started reading this is a true classic the effect this book has had on me is profound. The narration was perfect and I can't recommend this book highly enough

Any additional comments?

Just buy it!

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Captivating story

If you could sum up Perfume in three words, what would they be?

Unusual, Fragrant, Dark

Any additional comments?

Not the traditional book I would go for but definitely no regrets here. Dark and pretty witty in places.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Creepy, different, and very very good!

Someone recommended this to me a while back and so glad I added this to my wishlist. A completely unexpected ending (and not a "twist" ending either) and Sean Barrett is excellent as always.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A beautiful, horrible classic.

I read this book years ago- and saw the film. It is absorbing, evocative and a feast for the senses. The narration of this audible version is gorgeous. I was lost in the rich descriptions of the rise and fall of this unique, fascinating and rather frightening character. Poetic prose. Worth a listen.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

a great book with an amazing narrator

the world of Jean Baptiste is so frightening real. this is well written with a fantastic narrator

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding!

If you could sum up Perfume in three words, what would they be?

Sensory feast

What did you like best about this story?

The characterisation is excellent. The olfactory imagery is rich. The story compelling.

Have you listened to any of Sean Barrett’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Saturate your senses!

Any additional comments?

A brilliant novel.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Perfume by patrick suskind

One ot the strangest stories I have ever read i thoroughly enjoyed it and have gone back over it several times a brilliant story well written and well read

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Fabulous. Original and dark.

Had no idea what to expect but found this absolutely compelling listening. Narration by Sean Barrett was gritty, paced and perfect for the edginess of this book. Highly recommend.

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2 people found this helpful