“Perfume & Pain” by Anna Dorn is a sapphic roller-coaster ride and a pitch-perfect homage to lesbian pulp fiction. The story revolves around Astrid Dahl, a midlist author who grapples with her expansive perfume collection, a disastrous event at a Barnes & Noble, and an on-again, off-again addiction.
Main Character
The main character in “Perfume & Pain” is Astrid Dahl, a midlist author with an expansive perfume collection. She becomes entangled in a sapphic roller-coaster ride involving Ivy, a secretive Ph.D. student, and Penelope, a self-confident older artist. Their interactions create a fever dream–like quality in the novel, making it a delightful addition to LGBTQ+ literature.
Plot
“Perfume & Pain” by Anna Dorn:
Astrid Dahl, a midlist author in Los Angeles, grapples with her expansive perfume collection and her new neighbor. Struggling to stay sober and avoid toxic relationships, Astrid becomes torn between Ivy, a secretive Ph.D. student, and Penelope, a self-confident older artist
Settings
“Perfume & Pain” by Anna Dorn is set in Los Angeles, where Astrid Dahl, a midlist author, grapples with her expansive perfume collection and her new neighbor. The city’s vibrant atmosphere and Astrid’s interactions with Ivy, a secretive Ph.D. student, and Penelope, a self-confident older artist, contribute to the novel’s fever dream–like quality.
Theme
“Perfume & Pain” by Anna Dorn is an unapologetically feminine yet ribald novel that serves as an exquisite homage to 1950s lesbian pulp fiction. Let me delve into the themes for you:
- Obsession and Addiction: The story explores Astrid Dahl’s struggle with her worst vice—the Patricia Highsmith, a blend of Adderall, alcohol, and cigarettes. This addiction leads to blackouts and disturbing events, highlighting the destructive nature of obsession.
- Identity and Authenticity: Astrid’s journey involves finding true love, navigating her career, and bonding with her best friends and family. Her interactions with Ivy and Penelope raise questions about identity, authenticity, and self-discovery
Conclusion
The conclusion of “Perfume & Pain” by Anna Dorn is a lurid and feverish crescendo. As Astrid Dahl’s Patricia Highsmith–induced blackouts become more frequent, unsettling results unfold. The novel reaches its climax when Astrid finds herself torn . Dorn’s acerbic, steamy writing captures the essence of lesbian pulp fiction, making this book a compulsively readable roller-coaster ride for fans of ribald humor and LGBTQ+ culture¹.
