Patrick Suskind's, "Perfume," is a beautifully written novel that richly brings to life the world of 19th century France primarily through the scents and aromas that permeated the cities, people and countryside of that time. At its core, "Perfume," is a riveting character study that introduces as its main-character a villain every bit as imaginative and fleshed out in his sense of malice and purpose as Hannibal Lecter. The true beauty in this novel, however, is found in Suskind's detailed musings on his protagonist's extraordinary sense of smell and the way he interprets the world through such a gift.While "Perfume," is an English translation of a German novel - the translation work is superb and fully conveys the depth of detail and colour that Suskind originally brought to life in his native tongue.