A review by unhingedbookbitch
Perfume and Pain by Anna Dorn

emotional funny reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Ok I’m gonna say it… I think this is my favorite book of 2024 (so far at least). Like I judged this book by the cover AND I WAS CORRECT IN MY JUDGMENT.

I literally would stop rushing myself to read it cause it was so good. I loved the characters and the writing style and just everything. I originally started it as an audiobook but 2 chapters in, I was like I need to absorb this genius read with my eyeballs. I got a pretty special edition of it (off of Pango for $10 hell ya) cause I knew I was gonna love it.

It feels like it came to me at just the right time right before I turn 29. A lot of the book is just about how Astrid (our FMC) kinda dug herself a hole of a life and is like WHY ME??? And does a lot of self medication. And like her growth throughout the book was AMAZING. It felt so real and raw and like I just can’t recommend this book enough. More thoughts to come. Maybe (if I’m feeling up for writing)