Jitterbug Perfume
(Tom Robbins)
Tom Robbins is one of the most brilliant authors ever published, though he does not quite get the fame he deserves. His best novel to date, Jitterbug Perfume, is a compelling story about the essence of the universe and how, in clumsy, unwitting hands, it is slowly seeping away forever.
This rather remarkably unordinary story takes place in two separate times- the present and the past. The people, places and occurences all inextricably linked by this essence made from beet extract.
It takes place in a perfumery in France, an unorganized scientist's American apartment, New Orleans and where the world was 700 years ago.
It's a bit like a butterfly effect. Because 700 years ago a king named Alobar chose to not honour the tradition of dying at the first sign of old age his discoveries still shake the modern world. He figures out how to cheat death, how to stay young and impenetrable forever, moving from town to town as people grow suspicious of his ageless body.
Along his route he discovers a god named Pan, who's face is placed upon the bottle that holds the essence.
Alobar's journey eventually takes him to meet not only Kudra (another, and at that time the only other, person who also does not bow to the traditional death) but also to meet Priscilla, the unorganized scientist who is, for some time, in possession of the bottle and is desperately trying to decipher the top note in the perfume. (which she is unable to do although someone is mysteriously leaving beets around her).
Jitterbug Perfume is rich with images of scenery and leaves you laughing at parts.
This book is a must read for anyone with a vivid imagination and a must read to anyone who keeps an open mind towards growing older and retaining the essence of the universe.
Resumos Relacionados
- The Perfume
- The Perfume
- The Perfume
- Magicman Having Life In His Hair
- The Perfume
|
|
