The Perfume Garden: A Novel

I gave this rating because the story I found compelling and fascinating. Illegitimacy in all three generations of the one family is handled so beautifully that all the women rose naturally to realize their potential and without belabouring their births. The storyline is fresh and new. The perfumery it's historical connections and information for manufacture opened up a whole new area of research. The endurance of these lovely characters, their tolerance and endless patience is a hitherto ,for me, unknown area. To be born with a "nose" is a gift indeed, but to recognize this gift and train it has filled all three books by Kate Lord Brown with an addictive attraction to read and read, about her wholesome , but troubled characters. Keep writing please Kate Lord Brown. Beverley Mosley, new Zealand bamosley@xtra.co.nz

Enjoyed this one a lot! It's refreshing to read historical fiction set in a time period/event I'm not very familiar with like this one was. It's historical venue is mainly Valencia, Spain during the Spanish Civil War. The characters, both historical and modern, were interesting. I also appreciated that the modern story was set in 2001 and touched on something that is a defining moment for all of us living at that time. It's a book about strong women raising strong women. I love Liberty-- even though she's not actually present much, her presence is felt through what she leaves for Emma in the black lacquer box. Wonderful things in there;) I would love to have one full myself! Would read more of her work and recommend it to others:)

The Perfume Garden will enlighten anyone who is interested in the Spanish Civil War in the 1930’s. This well written, historical fiction guides the reader through the heartbreaking years the Spanish people suffered during and after this atrocious period. The undeniable will to survive amidst the human tragedy of war touches every aspect of daily life and every human emotion.

I didn’t know anything about the Spanish Civil War and this was a great lesson woven through with the stories of the people who lived it

I mostly liked this. I suppose with romance books, the villains are supposed to be extra villainous. I do find that historical fiction brings history alive in a way that is available and colorful. I might have wished this to be more a historical fiction book than a romance, as the basis. Some characters needed more development or explanation. Even so, it was a good read during my recent trip to Spain.

I enjoyed this book. There was a competent back story woven into the narrative with a good strong protagonist woman. I felt the love aspect, now she hates him, now she likes him, a little on the typical romance genre but this was my only complaint. I found the perfume aspect of the book to be fascinating. Not sure if it is true or not but it made for a good read.

This text will introduce you to characters you will like and a few you will despise. You will find yourself learning more about the Spanish Civil War as the story moves back and forth, but the switch from past to current time is easy to follow. What is perhaps more important is the wisdom this text shares. Characters endure loss, but they also find that love can happen in both dangerous times of armed conflict and in times that are dangerous because not everyone within a character's sphere is trustworthy. Secrets play a part, but is the outcome worth the risk of a secret? This text is worth the read. I found that the more I read the harder it was to put the book down.

A beautiful story woven between two time zones - past and present, and between a time of war and a time of peace, between a time of survival and a time for exploration of talent and ability. Relationships are dealt with brilliantly of the psychological effects of war through naivety/treachery/family/friendships and love in a small community, and among several diverse families. The characters are strong but human, given to error, uncertainty, trauma and disagreement. They are truly believable in a period of gruesome Spanish history that I knew nothing about. Well done to the author. It could not have been an easy book to write, yet was thoroughly a great read.

Loved this book from start to finish I couldn't put it down The interweaving of history mixed with an enchanting tale is excellent. It vividly described Spain and history i was unfamiliar with. It made me feel as if I had visited. Highly recommended by me.

Das hin und her zwischen verschiedenen Orten und Zeiten erschwert das Lesen, wenn man nicht die Zeit hat ,das Buch in einem Zug durchzulesen.

A wonderful book. The story divided into two Times, that of the Civil War in Spain and the beginning of the 21st century. A story of love, for a place, for a cause, for lovers, for children. Two English folk, brother and sister, Freya and Charles go to Spain to join the International brigade, Freya as a nurse, Charles as a photo journalist. In Spain they meet Rosa whose life touches theirs. Back in England in 2001 Freya and her granddaughter are mourning the loss of Liberty, daughter of one and mother of the other. Liberty founded a perfume company now being sold. She leaves a house in Spain to her daughter, also a perfumer, who travels there and the two time periods mesh with old secrets being revealed. A wonderful story which does not flinch in its description of a brutal conflict and on the many sacrifices made. I don't want to give away too much of the story but it was a joy to read. One I will remember for a long time. I suspect after a time I will read this again, just for the sheer pleasure. Beautifully written. No bushy sentiment. Just a series of love stories. Fabulous. Enjoy!

This novel opens your eyes once again to the horrors of war. It also demonstrates the human capacity to endure with love and hope.

I found this book was slightly slow to get go going, you however find this of most novels. This novel tells the tale of several great love stories and the Spanish civil war. The details and descriptions of some of the military scenes were truly excellent and you got a real feel for life living in Spain at such a difficult time. The characters are all very easy to emphasise with or hate with a passion, my particular favourite was Rosa who I found to be a very modern day heroine, her story genuinely brought me to tears! All in all a truly excellent novel!