The Perfume Garden: A Novel

I gave this rating because the story I found compelling and fascinating. Illegitimacy in all three generations of the one family is handled so beautifully that all the women rose naturally to realize their potential and without belabouring their births. The storyline is fresh and new. The perfumery it's historical connections and information for manufacture opened up a whole new area of research. The endurance of these lovely characters, their tolerance and endless patience is a hitherto ,for me, unknown area. To be born with a "nose" is a gift indeed, but to recognize this gift and train it has filled all three books by Kate Lord Brown with an addictive attraction to read and read, about her wholesome , but troubled characters. Keep writing please Kate Lord Brown. Beverley Mosley, new Zealand [email protected]

I mostly liked this. I suppose with romance books, the villains are supposed to be extra villainous. I do find that historical fiction brings history alive in a way that is available and colorful. I might have wished this to be more a historical fiction book than a romance, as the basis. Some characters needed more development or explanation. Even so, it was a good read during my recent trip to Spain.

This text will introduce you to characters you will like and a few you will despise. You will find yourself learning more about the Spanish Civil War as the story moves back and forth, but the switch from past to current time is easy to follow. What is perhaps more important is the wisdom this text shares. Characters endure loss, but they also find that love can happen in both dangerous times of armed conflict and in times that are dangerous because not everyone within a character's sphere is trustworthy. Secrets play a part, but is the outcome worth the risk of a secret? This text is worth the read. I found that the more I read the harder it was to put the book down.

I have stared at this book for months. I would put it down and take up again and again. So on the 4th of July, I finally decided to pick it up and open it and read it. At first I was frustrated, it took me forever to get through 23 pages, I took a nap and I got through 100 pages. I would flip back and forth. And then something happened I was hooked. I never had a relationship like the one in this book with my mother. In fact I was adopted and so many people said, "your mother Jan said that the worst mistake she every made was adopting you and your sister" I began to relish the letters between mother and daughter. Those wise words from age and experience to someone who was shattered and shut down. I could relate on some levels and on others I could sadly just wish. So as I read this incredible book, I feel in love. I feel in love with the letters because they were written to me as well. As the fireworks blasted and I looked out the window once in awhile, I would find myself cherishing this book. I am so glad I took that courageous step and picked up the book. I am so glad that to have read this book. I am so glad I own this book.

Enjoyed this one a lot! It's refreshing to read historical fiction set in a time period/event I'm not very familiar with like this one was. It's historical venue is mainly Valencia, Spain during the Spanish Civil War. The characters, both historical and modern, were interesting. I also appreciated that the modern story was set in 2001 and touched on something that is a defining moment for all of us living at that time. It's a book about strong women raising strong women. I love Liberty-- even though she's not actually present much, her presence is felt through what she leaves for Emma in the black lacquer box. Wonderful things in there;) I would love to have one full myself! Would read more of her work and recommend it to others:)

I enjoyed this book. There was a competent back story woven into the narrative with a good strong protagonist woman. I felt the love aspect, now she hates him, now she likes him, a little on the typical romance genre but this was my only complaint. I found the perfume aspect of the book to be fascinating. Not sure if it is true or not but it made for a good read.

A beautiful story woven between two time zones - past and present, and between a time of war and a time of peace, between a time of survival and a time for exploration of talent and ability. Relationships are dealt with brilliantly of the psychological effects of war through naivety/treachery/family/friendships and love in a small community, and among several diverse families. The characters are strong but human, given to error, uncertainty, trauma and disagreement. They are truly believable in a period of gruesome Spanish history that I knew nothing about. Well done to the author. It could not have been an easy book to write, yet was thoroughly a great read.

My favorite genre--historical fiction/dual era stories. The Spanish Civil War breaks my heart. We must never forget, or we are doomed to repeat our mistakes. Beautiful story.