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31 pages 1 hour read

Jitterbug Perfume

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1984

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Book Brief

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Tom Robbins

Jitterbug Perfume

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1984
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • Multiple Eras

Publication Year

1984

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Tom Robbins's Jitterbug Perfume, the intertwined lives of Priscilla Partido, Lily Devalier, V’lu, Claude, and Marcel span centuries and continents as they unravel the mysteries of immortality, assisted by the ancient king Alobar and his quest for eternal life alongside the erstwhile Hindu girl Kudra. The narrative, combining elements of realism, fantasy, and comedy, follows their efforts to create a timeless perfume, K23, leading to a climactic convergence in New Orleans. The story features culturally sensitive topics related to aging and death.

Fantastical

Humorous

Mysterious

Romantic

Adventurous

Reviews & Readership

4.4

81,155 ratings

81%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling, vibrant prose, and captivating characters. Critics praise Robbins' humor and the novel's philosophical depth, though some find its convoluted plot and dense narrative style challenging. Overall, the book is lauded for its originality and thought-provoking themes, despite occasional complexity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Jitterbug Perfume?

Readers who revel in whimsical, philosophical narratives reminiscent of One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez or The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams will delight in Tom Robbins' Jitterbug Perfume. Ideal for lovers of magical realism and existential musings with a touch of humor.

4.4

81,155 ratings

81%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Alobar

A character who undergoes significant changes throughout the narrative, transitioning through various roles such as king, pauper, businessman, and prisoner.

A smart and witty character with humble origins who seeks answers to life's big questions, marked by her humorous and sensual demeanor.

Known for being both a drug addict and a con artist, Wiggs is central to the resolution of various narrative threads and shapes the future paths of other characters.

Alobar's partner in immortality whose understanding of life's important questions and experiences with the ethereal define her role as a catalyst for action.

Brothers who represent material success, with Claude focusing on business and Marcel on creativity, particularly in discerning scents.

A small-business owner in New Orleans tied to Priscilla's past and the master of her craft, poised between material desire and personal destiny.

The Greek god whose transformation in modern society reflects changes in values, his presence marked and influenced by his distinct smell.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • Multiple Eras

Publication Year

1984

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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