Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

· Penguin · Narrated by Sean Barrett
9 reviews
Audiobook
8 hr 42 min
Unabridged
Eligible
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About this audiobook

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...
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 powerf...

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Ratings and reviews

9 reviews
Anthony Oram
September 24, 2018
The book, whilst published within the last few decades, must be considered in the realm of classic literature. It's weight, Stokerian feel and gothic style give it a historic aspect which, when combined with the fact that the English version is a translation of the original German novel, make the book seem aged and of another era. The story is executed in such beautiful prose that its brutality and harshness bring more shock than if it were a cheap thriller. Overall this is simply a wonderfully written story, but, be warned, it is dark and rank and one which has potential to spoil those beautiful scents you sometimes encounter in life. This audio version of the book does it great justice and, though I am prejudiced, the UK English voice perfectly suits the story.
2 people found this review helpful
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mikel goikoetxandia
August 12, 2026
Beautiful
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About the author

Patrick Süskind was born near Munich in 1949 and studied medieval and modern history at the University of Munich. His first play, The Double Bass, was written in 1980 and became an international success. His first novel, Perfume was also an internationally acclaimed bestseller and continues to be considered a classic.

He is also the author of The Pigeon and Mr. Summer's Story, and a coauthor of the enormously successful German television series Kir Royal. Patrick Süskind lives and writes in Munich.

Patrick Süskind was born near Munich in 1949 and studied medieval and modern history at the University of Munich. His first play, The Double Bass, was written in 1980 and became an international success. His first novel, Perfume was also an internationally acclaimed bestseller and continues to be...

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