# Perfume > 1985 novel by Patrick Süskind **Wikidata**: [Q459303](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q459303) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfume_(novel)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/perfume ## Summary Perfume is a 1985 novel by German writer Patrick Süskind, exploring the dark obsession of a man with an extraordinary sense of smell. The story follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a fictional character developed by Süskind, as he becomes a murderer in pursuit of the perfect scent. The novel blends historical fiction with psychological and gothic elements, becoming an international bestseller and cultural phenomenon. ## Key Facts - Published in 1985 by Patrick Süskind, a German writer and screenwriter. - The novel's protagonist is Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a fictional character created by Süskind. - It is classified as a literary work, a type of work of art and a subclass of written work. - The novel falls under the genres of historical fiction, Künstlerroman (artist's novel), and developmental novel. - It has been translated into over 50 languages and adapted into a major motion picture in 2006. - The novel received the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel. - It is associated with the Wikipedia title "Perfume (novel)" and has a sitelink count of 40. - The publication date is recorded as 1985, with the inception of the work linked to 1949. - It is part of the broader field of literature and is maintained by WikiProject Books. - The novel is distinct from its editions or translations, which are considered separate manifestations. ## FAQs **What is the plot of Perfume?** Perfume follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man born with an extraordinary sense of smell, who becomes obsessed with capturing the perfect scent. His pursuit leads him to commit murder, blending themes of identity, obsession, and human nature in 18th-century France. **Who is the author of Perfume?** Perfume was written by Patrick Süskind, a German writer and screenwriter born in 1949. He is best known for this novel, which became an international bestseller and was adapted into a film. **What genre does Perfume belong to?** Perfume is a historical fiction novel with elements of the Künstlerroman (artist's novel) and developmental novel genres. It combines gothic, psychological, and philosophical themes. **Has Perfume won any awards?** Yes, Perfume received the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, recognizing its impact and literary excellence. **Is Perfume based on a true story?** No, Perfume is a work of fiction. While it is set in 18th-century France and incorporates historical elements, the story and characters, including Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, are entirely fictional. **What is the significance of the title "Perfume"?** The title refers to the central theme of scent and the protagonist's obsession with capturing the perfect fragrance. It symbolizes the novel's exploration of identity, desire, and the power of sensory experience. **How has Perfume influenced literature and culture?** Perfume has had a profound impact on contemporary literature, redefining the boundaries of narrative fiction by blending historical, gothic, and philosophical elements. Its success has inspired adaptations in film and theater, cementing its place as a modern classic. ## Why It Matters Perfume is a landmark work in contemporary literature, renowned for its unique narrative structure and exploration of sensory obsession. By blending historical fiction with psychological and gothic elements, Süskind created a novel that transcends traditional genre boundaries. The story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man driven by his extraordinary sense of smell, delves into themes of identity, desire, and the darker aspects of human nature. Its international success and translation into over 50 languages underscore its universal appeal and cultural significance. The novel's adaptation into a major motion picture further amplified its reach, introducing its themes to a global audience. Perfume continues to influence modern storytelling, inspiring adaptations and discussions in literary and academic circles. Its exploration of sensory experience and obsession remains relevant, offering readers a profound meditation on the human condition. ## Notable For - Being an international bestseller translated into over 50 languages. - Winning the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel. - Blending historical fiction with gothic, psychological, and philosophical elements. - Inspiring a major motion picture adaptation in 2006. - Featuring a unique protagonist, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, with an extraordinary sense of smell. - Redefining the boundaries of narrative fiction in contemporary literature. - Being maintained by WikiProject Books for structured documentation. - Being part of the broader field of literature and associated with the "Category: Literary works." - Being distinct from its editions or translations, which are considered separate manifestations. ## Body ### Author and Background Perfume was written by Patrick Süskind, a German writer and screenwriter born on March 26, 1949, in Ambach, Bavaria, Germany. Süskind studied at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, one of Germany's most prestigious universities. He is best known for his literary and dramatic works, including novels, plays, and novellas. His breakthrough came with the 1985 publication of Perfume, which became an international bestseller and earned him critical acclaim. ### Plot and Themes The novel follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a fictional character developed by Süskind, who is born with an extraordinary sense of smell. Set in 18th-century France, the story explores Grenouille's obsession with capturing the perfect scent, leading him to commit murder. The novel delves into themes of identity, obsession, and the darker aspects of human nature, blending historical fiction with gothic and psychological elements. Süskind's narrative structure and exploration of sensory experience set Perfume apart as a unique work in contemporary literature. ### Literary Classification and Genre Perfume is classified as a literary work, a type of work of art and a subclass of written work. It falls under the genres of historical fiction, Künstlerroman (artist's novel), and developmental novel. The novel's classification reflects its artistic and intellectual value, as well as its role in the broader field of literature. It is part of the "Category: Literary works" and is maintained by WikiProject Books for structured documentation. ### Publication and Reception Perfume was published in 1985 and quickly became an international bestseller. It has been translated into over 50 languages, reflecting its global appeal. The novel received the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, recognizing its impact and literary excellence. Its success led to a major motion picture adaptation in 2006, further amplifying its reach and cultural significance. ### Adaptations and Cultural Impact The novel's adaptation into a film in 2006 introduced its themes to a wider audience, cementing its place in popular culture. Perfume has influenced modern storytelling, inspiring adaptations and discussions in literary and academic circles. Its exploration of sensory experience and obsession remains relevant, offering readers a profound meditation on the human condition. The novel's unique narrative structure and blending of genres have set a precedent for contemporary literature. ### Maintenance and Documentation Perfume is maintained by WikiProject Books, which ensures its accurate documentation and categorization. It is associated with specific identifiers, including psh_id: 6918, yso_id: 1150, and open_library_id: OL32245091W, for cataloging and reference. The novel is part of the broader field of literature and is linked to the University of Barcelona authority ID: 981060927480506706 for institutional recognition. ### Distinction from Other Works Perfume is distinct from its editions or translations, which are considered separate manifestations. It is also different from the general term "Werk" and has a separate descriptive page to ensure clarity in classification. The novel's unique narrative structure and exploration of sensory obsession set it apart from other works in the historical fiction genre. ### Legacy and Influence Perfume continues to influence modern literature and storytelling. Its success has inspired new generations of authors, playwrights, and screenwriters. The novel's ability to merge historical settings with deep psychological themes ensures its relevance in both literary and academic circles. Perfume remains a staple of world literature, offering readers a unique exploration of identity, desire, and the power of sensory experience. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/World_Fantasy_Awards_1987) 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. [Source](https://archive.org/details/perfume00susk)