Schlink, internationally acclaimed and bestselling author of "The Reader, " brings a sleek concision and moral acuity to these seven tales of modern men uneasily suspended between the desire for love and the impulse toward flight. Brooding, comic, and filled with psychological suspense, "Plights of Love" is nothing less than masterful.
In eighteenth-century France, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille emerges as a gifted yet abominable figure in a time filled with notorious characters. His name may have faded, but his arrogance, misanthropy, and wickedness rival those of the most infamous individuals. Grenouille's unique ambition lies solely in the ephemeral world of scent, a pursuit that leaves no historical traces. The narrative unfolds as a compelling exploration of death and sensuality, set against the backdrop of Paris. Critics have praised the work as an astonishing tour de force, highlighting its cleverness and stylish execution. It delves into themes of murder, twisted eroticism, and a profound loathing of humanity, presenting a meditation on death, desire, and decay. The story is described as unlike anything else, creating a phenomenon that captivates readers and remains unparalleled in contemporary literature. The author, born near Munich in 1949, studied history at the University of Munich. His first play, The Double Bass, gained international acclaim in 1980, and his debut novel became a bestseller. He has also written other works and contributed to a successful German television series, continuing to live and write in Munich.