The Perfumist of Paris
A novel from the bestselling author of The Henna Artist
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4.5 • 6 Ratings
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- £9.99
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- £9.99
Publisher Description
"A stunning portrait of a woman blossoming into her full power…this is Alka Joshi's best book yet!” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye
From the author of Reese's Book Club Pick The Henna Artist, the final chapter in Alka Joshi’s New York Times bestselling Jaipur trilogy takes readers to 1970s Paris, where Radha’s budding career as a perfumer must compete with the demands of her family and the secrets of her past.
Paris, 1974. Radha is now living in Paris with her husband, Pierre, and their two daughters. She still grieves for the baby boy she gave up years ago, when she was only a child herself, but she loves being a mother to her daughters, and she’s finally found her passion—the treasure trove of scents.
She has an exciting and challenging position working for a master perfumer, helping to design completely new fragrances for clients and building her career one scent at a time. She only wishes Pierre could understand her need to work. She feels his frustration, but she can’t give up this thing that drives her.
Tasked with her first major project, Radha travels to India, where she enlists the help of her sister, Lakshmi, and the courtesans of Agra—women who use the power of fragrance to seduce, tease and entice. She’s on the cusp of a breakthrough when she finds out the son she never told her husband about is heading to Paris to find her—upending her carefully managed world and threatening to destroy a vulnerable marriage.
The Jaipur Trilogy
Book 1: The Henna Artist
Book 2: The Secret Keeper of Jaipur
Book 3: The Perfumist of Paris
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
In this endearing historical novel, Alka Joshi transports us to 1970s Paris, where sensual delights and long-kept secrets abound. Radha seems to have it all: a wealthy French husband, two adorable daughters, and a job at the prestigious House of Yves working under an incredible master perfumer. But beneath the surface, Radha’s haunted by the pain of giving up her first child when she was only 13 years old, and her illustrious new professional assignment is increasing tensions with her traditionalist husband. We were captivated by Joshi’s stunning ability to describe different scents like bergamot, honey, jasmine, and vetiver, and her willingness to confront serious subject matter like the casual sexism and racism that Radha experiences daily. The third book in the acclaimed Jaipur Trilogy makes an excellent standalone tale—it’s a story that will linger in your mind like an intoxicating perfume.
Customer Reviews
Descriptive and sensitive
Beautiful story to read, you get drawn into the lives of the characters who are so believable and alive. At times I felt I could smell India’s spices and street aromas, transporting me to another world. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The perfumist
Thoroughly enjoyed the third book in this triology. I’ve read all three and love them all. Alka Joshi’s writing covers all 5 senses and you can almost imagine the plot unraveling like a vibrant movie.
These books will make a great film.