The Perfume Thief

Viac o knihe

Clementine, a seventy-two-year-old reformed con artist with a flair for tailored suits, has journeyed through the opulent world of belle epoque Manhattan, the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, the vibrant spice markets of Marrakech, and the lively bordellos of Paris. By 1930, she opens a shop in Paris, bottling her favorite scents for cabaret performers. However, by 1941, her beloved cabaret, Madame Boulette's, is overrun by Nazis, and the artists and outsiders who once thrived there are vanishing. Initially, Clem considers hiding away during the harsh winter, feeling too old to resist. But when Zoe St. Angel, the cabaret's star singer, asks for her help in stealing the recipe book of a missing perfumer, Clem can't refuse. Her target is Oskar Voss, a Nazi bureaucrat with a taste for both the book and Clem's expertise. To gain his trust, she decides to share the true story of her past, a task that proves more perilous than anticipated. This narrative unfolds with elements of romance, espionage, and the allure of haute couture, offering a vivid glimpse into the underground resistance of 1940s Paris while celebrating the resilience of beauty and community amidst the darkness of hate.