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jasbah's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Digital audiobook performed by Gabrielle De Cuir and Stefan Rudnicki.
From the book jacket: A Gentleman in Moscow meets Moulin Rouge in this stylish, sexy page-turner about Clementine, a queer American ex-pat and notorious thief who is drawn out of retirement and into one last scam when the Nazis invade Paris on the eve of World War II.
My reactions
This was a marvelous heist caper thriller, featuring interesting characters, several twists and turns and the atmosphere of Paris on the verge of world war. I found it fascinating and exciting and when it was over, I wanted to start it again to catch what I’m sure I must have missed.
Before she lands in Paris in 1930, Clem begins her career in belle-epoch era Manhattan, and travels to Costa Rica and Marrakech in search of ingredients and potions.
Schaffert shines a light on a subset of Parisien society that few tourists experience. Clementine and her friend Zoe St Angel are in a perfect position to encounter some of the famous residents of Paris in this era. They move seamlessly between the artists, crooks, ladies of the evening, and invading Germans. But they have their secrets and their plans to thwart the Nazis. Not only can Clem concoct an intoxicating scent, but she can use her knowledge of chemistry to provide invisible ink or poison, making her a valuable asset to the resistance.
The audiobook is masterfully performed by two talented voice artists: Gabrielle de Cuir and Stefan Rudnicki. They have a lot of characters to handle and I am sure I lost track of the plot a few times. Not to take anything away from their performances, but next time, I’ll read this in text format.
From the book jacket: A Gentleman in Moscow meets Moulin Rouge in this stylish, sexy page-turner about Clementine, a queer American ex-pat and notorious thief who is drawn out of retirement and into one last scam when the Nazis invade Paris on the eve of World War II.
My reactions
This was a marvelous heist caper thriller, featuring interesting characters, several twists and turns and the atmosphere of Paris on the verge of world war. I found it fascinating and exciting and when it was over, I wanted to start it again to catch what I’m sure I must have missed.
Before she lands in Paris in 1930, Clem begins her career in belle-epoch era Manhattan, and travels to Costa Rica and Marrakech in search of ingredients and potions.
Schaffert shines a light on a subset of Parisien society that few tourists experience. Clementine and her friend Zoe St Angel are in a perfect position to encounter some of the famous residents of Paris in this era. They move seamlessly between the artists, crooks, ladies of the evening, and invading Germans. But they have their secrets and their plans to thwart the Nazis. Not only can Clem concoct an intoxicating scent, but she can use her knowledge of chemistry to provide invisible ink or poison, making her a valuable asset to the resistance.
The audiobook is masterfully performed by two talented voice artists: Gabrielle de Cuir and Stefan Rudnicki. They have a lot of characters to handle and I am sure I lost track of the plot a few times. Not to take anything away from their performances, but next time, I’ll read this in text format.
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Read this book if you've been missing [a:Sarah Waters|25334|Sarah Waters|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1409248454p2/25334.jpg] (even though it doesn't reach Waters-esque levels of mastery).
Read this book if you enjoyed the sensory experience of [b:Perfume: The Story of a Murderer|59696396|Perfume The Story of a Murderer|Patrick Suskind|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1637795141l/59696396._SY75_.jpg|94001955] (even though [a:Patrick Suskind|22022200|Patrick Suskind|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] is far superior in his descriptions of scent).
Read this book if you enjoy queer historical fiction or novels set in occupied France during World War II.
Read this book if you want to meet an intriguing older lady, the titular perfume thief, who still has a few tricks up her sleeve.
Read this book if you want a tale that builds up slowly, has you at the edge of your seat, and breaks your heart with a scene that will linger around your heart causing bursts of sadness.
Read this book if you enjoyed the sensory experience of [b:Perfume: The Story of a Murderer|59696396|Perfume The Story of a Murderer|Patrick Suskind|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1637795141l/59696396._SY75_.jpg|94001955] (even though [a:Patrick Suskind|22022200|Patrick Suskind|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] is far superior in his descriptions of scent).
Read this book if you enjoy queer historical fiction or novels set in occupied France during World War II.
Read this book if you want to meet an intriguing older lady, the titular perfume thief, who still has a few tricks up her sleeve.
Read this book if you want a tale that builds up slowly, has you at the edge of your seat, and breaks your heart with a scene that will linger around your heart causing bursts of sadness.
candacesiegle_greedyreader's review against another edition
5.0
"The Perfume Thief" crashed through my reading ennui like . . . like. . . jeez, I'm not sure how to find a metaphor that would fit a novel that sweeps you off your feet, puts your mind in a flurry, tucks you in its pocket and keeps you in that state until the final page. "The Perfume Thief" like nothing you've ever read before.
Let's start with the protagonist. Clementine is a 72-year-old American living in Paris in 1940. She dresses as a man and runs a perfume shop, daily mixing new fragrance for her dear friend Day Shabille, a Black American cabaret singer. Clementine has spent her life life on the con until fleeing to Paris and establishing herself as an honest broker. She's a master of observation with quick feet and a quick mind.
The Nazi occupation is not the time for someone to be dressing as a member of the opposite sex, but Clem has gathered a lot of goodwill in her time in Paris. Another cabaret artist asks Day for help. Zoe's master perfumer father is in the hands of the Nazis. They're estranged and she's terrified that something will clue to Germans off to the fact that she's Jewish. She asks Clem to find her father's diary of perfume recipes which will certainly include her name as the inspiration for one of his most famous perfumes. Their home is now occupied by Nazi Oskar Voss, with whom she'll have to become chummy.
This book is everything you want a novel to be. Great writing, taut plotting, high stakes, and a hero who defies description. Timothy Schaffert has absorbed occupied Paris, it's smells, the streets, the food, the entertainment scene. There are remarkable love stories, and cruelty that will leave you breathless.
Let me thank Netgalley and publisher Doubleday for access to this title in exchange for an honest review. In all honesty, read this book!
Let's start with the protagonist. Clementine is a 72-year-old American living in Paris in 1940. She dresses as a man and runs a perfume shop, daily mixing new fragrance for her dear friend Day Shabille, a Black American cabaret singer. Clementine has spent her life life on the con until fleeing to Paris and establishing herself as an honest broker. She's a master of observation with quick feet and a quick mind.
The Nazi occupation is not the time for someone to be dressing as a member of the opposite sex, but Clem has gathered a lot of goodwill in her time in Paris. Another cabaret artist asks Day for help. Zoe's master perfumer father is in the hands of the Nazis. They're estranged and she's terrified that something will clue to Germans off to the fact that she's Jewish. She asks Clem to find her father's diary of perfume recipes which will certainly include her name as the inspiration for one of his most famous perfumes. Their home is now occupied by Nazi Oskar Voss, with whom she'll have to become chummy.
This book is everything you want a novel to be. Great writing, taut plotting, high stakes, and a hero who defies description. Timothy Schaffert has absorbed occupied Paris, it's smells, the streets, the food, the entertainment scene. There are remarkable love stories, and cruelty that will leave you breathless.
Let me thank Netgalley and publisher Doubleday for access to this title in exchange for an honest review. In all honesty, read this book!
wabbitrabbit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
smamato2's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed this perspective on World War II and the lives of LGBTQ+ community residing in occupied Paris. I found myself reading not to find out what happened but to finish the book at points. Some of the story lines dragged on and seemed unfinished all at the same time.
groovyfrood's review against another edition
I got about half way through the book, but it was just very slow and tedious. I loved the idea and premise of the story, but just found the friendship that developed between Voss and the main character uncomfortable and boring. I kept thinking something would happen, but so far no good. I just had to quit because I found it very a very dull read.
ale1014's review
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
littlesprite21's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
hskrkelle's review against another edition
2.0
This was a bit of a slog for me to get through. It was described to me as similar to “City of Girls”, which I enjoyed, but I think that comparison was a big stretch. This was just not my type of book.