Jitterbug Perfume
A Novel
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4.6 • 275 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
“[A] wild comic rip through eternity and beyond.”—The Detroit News
A genre-blending romp of a novel that “celebrates the joy of individual expression and self-reliance” (Saturday Review), from the New York Times bestselling author of Still Life with Woodpecker
Jitterbug Perfume is an epic. Which is to say, it begins in the forests of ancient Bohemia and doesn’t conclude until nine o’clock tonight (Paris time). It is a saga, as well. A saga must have a hero, and the hero of this one is a janitor with a missing bottle. The bottle is blue, very, very old, and embossed with the image of a goat-horned god. If the liquid in the bottle actually is the secret essence of the universe, as some folks seem to think, it had better be discovered soon because it is leaking and there is only a drop or two left.
Customer Reviews
See AllLaugh out loud fun for your brain
Hands down, the best book I ever read. Wacky, crazy, heady....awesome.
Fun Read
Jitterbug Perfume,” published in 1984, is Tom Robbins’ fourth novel and a captivating tale that explores themes of immortality, mortality, and the human experience. The story intertwines two narratives: one set in the past, following the journey of an eighth-century king named Alobar who seeks eternal youth, and another in the present, involving an aspiring perfume maker named Priscilla and the enigmatic figure of Pan, the Greek god of nature.
The novel delves into the fear of death and the quest for immortality, questioning what it truly means to live forever. Through Alobar’s journey and Pan’s gradual disappearance due to forgotten beliefs, Robbins highlights the importance of memory in achieving a form of immortality. The book also celebrates hedonism and the pursuit of pleasure, encouraging readers to embrace life’s present moments rather than worrying about the future.
Robbins’ writing style is a blend of surrealism and grounded realism, making “Jitterbug Perfume” a unique and engaging read. The novel’s humor and wit bring levity to profound themes, reminding readers to “lighten up” and appreciate life’s natural connections. Overall, “Jitterbug Perfume” is a whimsical and thought-provoking exploration of human existence.
The main themes explored in “Jitterbug Perfume” by Tom Robbins include:
• Life and Death: The novel delves into the human quest for immortality, with characters like Alobar and Kudra seeking to defy death and understand its place in existence.
• Perfumery and Scent: Perfumery serves as a metaphor for life’s essence and sensuality, symbolizing the elusive quality of existence and the connection between scent and memory.
• Love and Relationships: Love is portrayed as a transformative force that transcends time and space, highlighting its role in personal growth and rebirth.
• Spirituality and Transformation: The novel explores themes of spiritual growth, rebirth, and transformation, emphasizing the importance of personal development and self-discovery.
• Absurdity and Humor: Robbins uses humor and absurdity to reflect on the human condition, encouraging readers to embrace life’s complexities and contradictions.
Splendid
For an age of readers loosing the battle for the perpetual art of the novel. This book will awaken you and entice your senses. My goodness...Alobar 🤤