favorite books and the fragrances that embody them

Hello.

A short, sweet, and simple newsletter for you today.

Today, I’m talking about some of my favorite books and the fragrances that embody them.

I promised you a letter with all of my favorite fragrances, candles, scents, etc and I’m still in the midst of writing it, but it will be in your inbox soon.

Here we go:

-A Breath of Life by Clarice Lispector 

Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan - This is a rich and complex amber fragrance, with layers of spice, incense, and resin. Its depth and intensity reflect the philosophical and richly textured narrative style of Lispector, making it a fitting tribute.

Notes: Amber, Resins, Bay Leaf, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Vanilla

-The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath 

Parisian Music by Matiere Premiere - The fig tree in the novel symbolizes the protagonist's paralysis by choice and the passage of unchosen paths, mirroring the complexity and duality of fig notes in fragrances like Parisian Musc by Matiere Premiere, which blend sweetness with depth to evoke the richness of potential and the melancholy of choices unmade. This olfactory note captures the essence of both the allure and the inherent sadness of the opportunities that life presents but are left unexplored.

Notes: Fig, Cedar, Ambrette, Musk

-Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Unknown Pleasures by Kerosine - The story's exploration of curiosity, bravery, and the eerie allure of an alternate reality mirrors the intriguing contrasts in Unknown Pleasures by Kerosene. This fragrance, with its unexpected blend of sweet and citrus notes against a backdrop of comforting warmth, captures the essence of Coraline's adventure into the Other World. Just as Coraline is drawn to the mysterious and seemingly perfect parallel universe, Unknown Pleasures encapsulates the allure of the unknown and the comfort of the familiar, reflecting the novel's theme of finding courage in the face of unsettling discoveries and the value of appreciating what you have.

Notes: Earl Grey, Lemon, Caramel, Vanilla, Bergamont, Honey, Tonka Bean

-The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Falling Trees by Regime Des Fleurs - The allure and danger of transcending mundane existence through esoteric knowledge mirrors the intricate layers of Falling Trees by Régime des Fleurs, a fragrance that captures the transformation and raw vitality of nature. This scent, with its evocative blend of wood, earth, and green notes, embodies the novel's exploration of beauty and brutality intertwined, reflecting the characters' journey into a realm where intellectual pursuit leads to dark consequences, much like the life cycle of a forest that shelters growth and decay within its bounds.

Notes: Oak, Juniper, Myrrh, Incense, Moss

-Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto

White Rice by D’Annam - Themes of love, loss, and the comforting simplicity of daily life, especially through the motif of food and kitchens as spaces of healing, resonate deeply with the essence of White Rice by D'Annam. This fragrance, centered around the pure, warm aroma of steamed white rice, captures the novel's celebration of mundane yet intimate moments that anchor us during times of grief and transition. Just as Yoshimoto uses the kitchen and food to explore the characters' journeys toward acceptance and renewal, White Rice evokes a sense of home and simplicity, reflecting the novel's message of finding solace and connection in the basic yet profound aspects of life.

Notes: Rice, Orris, Jasmine, White Musk, Tonka Bean and Cedarwood

-Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Lost Cherry by Tom Ford - The complex interplay of innocence and seduction, intertwined with themes of obsession and forbidden desire, resonates with the provocative allure of Lost Cherry by Tom Ford. This fragrance, with its luscious blend of ripe cherry, almond, and a hint of liquor, captures the novel's exploration of forbidden pleasures and the intoxicating, often destructive nature of obsession, mirroring the story's intricate dance between the sweet veneer of youth and the dark undercurrents of manipulation and longing.

Notes: Sour Cherry, Almond, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Plum

-Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

Bois Doré by Van Cleef & Arpels - The themes of unnatural creation, the complexities of existence, and the search for identity amidst rejection are mirrored in the warm, golden embrace of Bois Doré by Van Cleef & Arpels. This fragrance, weaving together the richness of woods and the comforting sweetness of vanilla and almond, encapsulates the novel's juxtaposition of the warmth of human emotion against the cold, isolating consequences of playing god. Like the creature seeking warmth and connection in a world that denies him, Bois Doré offers an olfactory refuge that hints at the beauty and tragedy of seeking acceptance in the face of ultimate rejection.

Notes: Black Pepper, Mineral, Vanilla, Almond, Tobacco, Cedar, Teak Wood, Musk

-The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Portrait of a Lady by Frederic Malle - The themes of vanity, moral duplicity, and the pursuit of eternal beauty and youth are reflected in the complex and sophisticated layers of Portrait of a Lady by Frederic Malle. This fragrance, with its rich composition of rose, spices, and sandalwood, encapsulates the novel's exploration of the seductive power of beauty and the dark consequences of indulgence in life's pleasures without regard for morality. Just as Dorian Gray's portrait reveals the corruption of his soul, Portrait of a Lady offers a multifaceted olfactory experience that hints at the depth and complexity of human desires and the price of eternal youth.

Notes: Rose, Clove, Black Currant, Raspberry, Patchouli, Musk, Amber

-Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen

Tears by Regime Des Fleurs - The raw and introspective journey through mental illness and the quest for self-understanding within the confines of a psychiatric hospital is echoed in the poignant depths of Tears by Régime des Fleurs. This fragrance, with its ethereal blend that evokes the complexity of human emotions and the ephemeral nature of tears, mirrors the novel's exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and the bittersweet facets of healing and suffering. Like Kaysen's narrative, Tears offers an olfactory expression of the fragile beauty found in moments of clarity amidst turmoil, capturing the essence of the struggle and the transformative power of embracing one's own narrative.

Notes: Lilac, Orris, Frankincense, Fleur D’Oranger, Pink Pepper

Okay, that’s all for today.

If you enjoyed this, let me know if there are any other books you’d like me to cover in another newsletter. This was fun to write <3

I love you, talk soon.

Bye <3