It's definitely interesting, as any book that delves into the inner workings of a deeply flawed and monstrous main character.

The author does a great job of painting the mental and emotional landscape of Jean Baptiste Grenouille. I don't sympathise with him, but I understand why he'd act in the ways he does; which is what I like about books with antiheroes.

I'm undecided about whether or not I like the absurdity of the book - especially regarding the last couple of events in the book and people's reactions to Grenouille's scents. On the one hand, without those almost fantastical elements, the book would not be interesting. The author paints a world that is unknowingly dominated by scent, and so naturally, when somebody who is so perfectly capable of mastering the art of perfumery (god tier, one could even say) comes along, the world itself bends itself to his will.

On the other hand, it makes me kinda go "huh." at times. It interrupts my immersion bc it's so ridiculous, so absurd. But weirdly enough I don't hate it. I am willing to give this book the benefit of not having to be realistic bc it never claims to be.



side note: some of the descriptions, especially regarding the smell of things, makes me wonder if the author is incredibly talented at writing from the point of view of a pervert or if the author is a pervert himself.