Patrick Suskind - Collected Works (7 books)

* Patrick Suskind - Collected Works (7 books)

PATRICK SÜSKIND (b. 1949) is a contemporary German author and screenwriter who captured international acclaim with his distinct blend of historical fiction, psychological depth, and dark, satirical humor. Born in Ambach, Bavaria, in 1949, Süskind studied medieval and modern history, which deeply informed the meticulous historical textures of his narratives. He is famously reclusive, rarely granting interviews or appearing in public, creating an enigmatic persona that mirrors the eccentric and isolated nature of many of his literary characters. Despite his aversion to fame, his work has left an indelible mark on modern world literature, dealing heavily with themes of alienation, obsession, and the sensory experience of human existence.

Süskind had his first major success with THE DOUBLE-BASS (1981), a highly successful dramatic monologue that centers on an unnamed, middle-aged orchestral musician who harbors a complex love-hate relationship with his oversized instrument. Through a tragicomic tirade, the musician exposes his professional frustrations, social isolation, and unrequited love for a young soprano. The play remains widely produced in theaters across Europe and established Süskind's uncanny ability to delve into the minds of lonely, marginalized individuals trapped by their own obsessions.

His literary breakthrough and most celebrated masterpiece is PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER (1985), a phenomenal international bestseller that cemented his global reputation. Set in 18th-century France, the novel follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, an unloved orphan born with an extraordinary sense of smell who becomes obsessed with capturing and preserving the perfect scent. As his quest for the ultimate fragrance becomes increasingly desperate and depraved, he descends into madness and murder, leaving a trail of death and destruction in his wake. Süskind’s sensory-rich prose and exploration of the dark side of genius captivated readers worldwide, leading to a highly successful 2006 film adaptation and securing the novel's place as a staple of contemporary psychological fiction.

Süskind continued to explore the theme of psychological isolation in other works, beginning with THE PIGEON (1987). The novella chronicles a single, terrifying day in the life of Jonathan Noel, a Paris bank security guard whose rigidly structured, solitary existence is completely upended when an unwelcome, diabolical intruder appears. Reviewers drew comparisons to the work of Franz Kafka and Edgar Allan Poe. The poignant tale MAÎTRE MUSSARD'S BEQUEST (1988) follows a man consumed by a bizarre, apocalyptic obsession with the idea that the entire world is slowly turning to stone. MR. SUMMER'S STORY (1991, also translated as THE STORY OF MR. SOMMER ), which featured illustrations by the renowned artist Sempé, shifts to a nostalgic, post-war German countryside. It is narrated by a young boy reflecting on his childhood and his haunting encounters with Mr. Summer, an enigmatic, deeply distressed neighbor who walks aimlessly from dawn until dusk.

Later, Süskind published ON LOVE AND DEATH (2006), a slim, contemplative essay collection that departs from his typical fiction format. In this philosophical treatise, he reflects on the profound connections between the forces of eros and thanatos, drawing on classical literature and personal insights. Though his bibliography is relatively concise, Süskind's meticulously crafted body of work offers a brilliant, enduring examination of human frailty and the invisible barriers that separate individuals from society.


The following books are in ePUB and/or PDF format as indicated:

* The Double Bass [tr. Hofmann] (Penguin, 1988) – PDF
* Maître Mussard's Bequest [tr. Wardle] (Bloomsbury, 1996) – PDF
* A Mid-Life Crisis [tr. Spence] (Granta 35, Spring, 1991) – PDF
* Mr. Summer's Story [tr. Woods] (Knopf, 1993) – PDF
* On Love and Death [tr. Bell] (Rookery, 2006) – PDF
* Perfume: The Story of a Murderer [tr. Woods] (Vintage, 2001 / Knopf, 1987) – ePUB / PDF
* The Pigeon [tr. Woods] (Penguin, 1989) – ePUB / PDF
* The Story of Mr Sommer [tr. Hofmann] (Fox, Finch & Tepper, 2015) – PDF

All PDFs courtesy of @Mohamed5438


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