The author is a world traveler, led around by her nose and her deep understanding of, and passion for, natural aromatics. Her vivid imagery and ability to describe a scent - which is actually a difficult skill - will waft you along on clouds of smoldering frankincense, sweet and deeply dark jasmine and buttery orris roots drying in the sun. This is one of the most evocative and delightful books I have ever come across on the hypnotic world of natural fragrances. It pulled me in like a suspenseful thriller, a page turner that I just couldn't put down.