The Perfumist of Paris by Alka Joshi

 The Perfumist of Paris

by

Alka Joshi

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 5th April 2023

Series: The Jaipur Trilogy #3

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 384

RRP: $32.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 Review: The Perfumist of Paris

The Perfumist of Paris is the third book in The Jaipur trilogy by Alka Joshi. Not having read the first two books I did find my connection with the main character Radha was flimsy. However I never felt like I had missed something plot wise during my reading of the book.  

 

The Perfumist of Paris is set in 1974 with Radha forging a career in the perfume industry. A career she loves and is good at.

Through Radha, Alka Joshi portrays the guilt that all working mothers have. Whether it's having to work or wanting to work, as Radha did, the guilt that their children, and husband, are being neglected is all consuming. 

I've never really contemplated how perfume is developed and I found the process and the areas of inspiration that Radha followed was fascinating.

I loved both the setting of Paris and also that of India and how different each country was. It was easy to become immersed in the sites, smell and cuisine of both countries.

 

There is the addition of a compelling mystery worked through the plot and also a long held secret from Radha's past that catches up with her. 

The Perfumist of Paris is a fast, immersive read about being true to yourself, finding your passion and accepting past mistakes. I would however recommend reading the trilogy from the beginning.

My rating 3 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Alka Joshi was born in India and raised in the U.S. since the age of nine. She has a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts and runs an advertising and marketing agency. She has lived in France and Italy and currently lives in Pacific Grove, California, with her husband.