Back to Fiction: What I'm Reading This Summer.

I like to think of Summer as the time for reading for fun, there are so many books out there and I find it overwhelming when choosing a new read. Usually I prefer to read recommendations from friends, and sometimes I go for a best-seller, but the books I enjoy the most are the ones thrust into my hands by eager readers who just need to share. This is such a book.

When this book was given to me I did not think I would enjoy it at all. My brother, Ricky, a weirdo of epic proportions at the time (circa 2004), told me that I "HAD TO read that book" and so I complied. I am so thankful I did, it has since become one of my favourites and here is why. Perfume - The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind is a truly masterful story. The story starts with our protagonist's birth in a market under a fish stall table, surrounded by filth and born to an uncaring mother. From this the story evolves a push and pull of being in awe of and then of despising Jean Grenouille. One of the reasons I really enjoyed this book is not only the way that it evokes smells and scenes so vividly, but also the story of true human grit and determination despite being an outcast, or feared, or coming from the gutter. You are transported across Europe and taken on a journey of discovery for Jean, he grows despite his misfortunes and in some points of the story he is even given the opportunity to flourish and make human connections which seems so impossible given his lot in life. He also hides himself away, which I totally connected with on a visceral level, his complete isolation and the desolation of his circumstances really resonated with me.

I love to re-read books and this is one that I pick up time and time again. I recommend it for a brilliant summer read, if you are looking to be hooked on that book, then do yourself a favour and get yourself a copy. I would just like to thank my brother for making me read it and never asking for it back. It is falling apart with worn and loved pages and I will continue to shout about it at any given opportunity!

Bussi Babe xx