Perfume and Pain

Perfume and Pain by Anna Dorn is a vibrant and provocative tale set in the sun-drenched locale of Los Angeles. This novel blends wit, satire, and a dash of 1950s lesbian pulp fiction to deliver a story that is both a poignant exploration of modern relationships and a humorous critique of the influencer culture. Astrid Dahl, a mid-list author with a passion for perfumes, relocates to a small bungalow in LA, along with her treasured collection of scent bottles. Following an incident that led to her being "lightly" cancelled, Astrid returns to the Zoom writer's group she helped found, Sapphic Scribes. In the midst of this upheaval, Astrid stumbles upon some sensual diversions: Ivy, a captivating grad student researching lesbian pulp fiction who carries the scent of metallic orchids, and Penelope, a new neighbour exuding the earthy aroma of patchouli. Penelope, an artist supported by a settlement from Urban Outfitters, quickly embeds herself into Astrid’s life, charming her friends and family as Astrid starts dating Ivy in person. Despite feeling threatened and judged by Penelope's responsible and vegan lifestyle, Astrid can't deny the undeniable allure she feels towards her. Just as things get more complicated, Astrid’s agent delivers unexpected news: actress and influencer Kat Gold is interested in adapting Astrid's previous novel for television. This opportunity could be Astrid's ticket to rejuvenating her faltering career, but stress reawakens her worst tendencies—codenamed "the Patricia Highsmith." This concoction of Adderall, alcohol, and cigarettes leads Astrid down a path of blackouts and some alarming episodes. Anna Dorn masterfully crafts Perfume and Pain as an unapologetically feminine yet ribald narrative that shimmers with humour and steamy moments. This novel is a delightful homage to the lesbian pulp fiction of the 1950s, reimagined for today's era of internet and celebrity obsession. The scent of Southern California citrus and sultry smokiness permeate this satirical romp through Hollywood and lesbian melodrama. Perfume and Pain is not only an evocative and entertaining read but also a pointed commentary on the intricacies of love and ambition in contemporary society. Anna Dorn delivers her best work yet, a Sapphic rollercoaster that is as perceptive and witty as it is heartfelt and engaging.