Perfume by Patrick Süskind

The novel revolves around the character of Grenouille, born in 1738 in a Parisian fish market, considered the ugliest place due to the various fish smells. His mother abandons him hidden among a pile of garbage to get rid of him...

Although his mother had previously managed to relieve herself from the responsibility of four infants before him, Grenouille's survival instinct was stronger. His vigorous cries drew the attention of market-goers to protect him and capture his mother, leading her to be executed by guillotine.

In his early years, Grenouille's keen sense of smell was his primary guide. He used it for everything until he ended up in the orphanage of Madame Gaillard, where he experienced a harsh life as a child rejected by his peers.

Grenouille's attraction to scents led him to work at Grimal's tannery. Despite the unpleasant odors that other tanners complained about, Grenouille thrived in this treasure trove of smells and sensory discoveries.