The Perfumist of Paris

What do you think of Radha’s reaction to her son’s adoption when she was a teenager? How did you feel about her reaction when confronted by the teenage Niki? What do you think of Niki’s reaction to his birth mother?

Have you any personal knowledge of adoptions and the feelings of the people involved?

Fragrances evoke memories. What are the memories that different scents evoke in Radha? What are some scents that recall a certain time, or event, or a certain person in your life?

What did you learn about the fragrance industry and the ingredients that are blended to create scents? Was it surprising to learn how many natural fragrance ingredients come from India?

What did you learn about the women’s movement in France in the 70s? Do you think of French women as liberated as American women? Discussion Questions

Do you think Radha should have told Pierre about her illegitimate child before they married? What would have been the consequence?

What’s your reaction to Radha and Pierre’s separation? Could they have stayed together? If they had, what compromises would they have had to make?

How did you feel about Mathilde’s betrayal? Were you surprised that a best friend would do that? Do you think she and Radha will ever be able to resume their friendship?

When she learns of Mathilde’s betrayal, Radha feels compassion for her friend rather than anger. Why?

Radha says that perhaps some people are only meant to be in your life for a certain period of time. What do you think of that?

Radha tells Mathilde that in Hinduism, there is a belief that the people in your current life were also in your past life but in different relationships with you. For example, your father in this life might have been your daughter in another life. What do you think of the idea that you’re always trying to understand those closest to you in various lives?