Perfume & Pain

Astrid Dahl is a writer with a recent black mark against her and her career. Waiting for the public to forget about her Astrid rejoins a writer’s group she cofounded before fame got to her. Suddenly her life is filled with unexpected people, terrible old habits, and a constant reminder from her agent to lay low and be a better version of herself.

This was such a fun book. It was gritty and messy in a way that was equal parts tragic and hilarious. Astrid is a very entertaining protagonist. Her ability to self-sabotage was actually very impressive. She was a train wreck I could not look away from. From her inability to think before speaking in public to her horrible relationship choices Astrid made it hard to figure out if you sympathize with her or not. And that doesn’t cover the unchecked drinking and drugs as well.

The supporting cast really elevated the narrative as well. There was a great blend of characters the accentuated Astrid’s flawed nature as well as ones that really pushed back against it. These characters calling her out and forcing a much needed reality check are the driving force that makes the narrative what it is. It’s really watching Astrid hit rock bottom and figure out how to climb back out that makes this such an entertaining book. Of course it doesn’t hurt that the humor is witty and highly entertaining. The author makes us laugh at Astrid’s misfortune but doesn’t make us feel guilty about it. You want to keep watching the dumpster fire that Astrid keeps adding too until she finally gets a heavy dose of reality and it makes so so glad you stuck with her.

I can highly recommend this book if you enjoy dark humor and deeply flawed protagonists.

---

Order it now from: