Paula Xiberras
It’s always a delight to chat to author Fiona Macintosh, who through her thorough researching (and indeed Fiona does ‘a ridiculous amount of reading’ for about a year previous to writing her historical novels) is an authority on an eclectic range of subjects. This time our topic of discussion was the mystery and mythology of that perhaps underrated sense, the sense of smell.
As fans of Fiona may know her area of interest in writing, or what she more cleverly calls ‘her playground’ is the 1900s. Fiona’s latest novel ‘The Perfumer’s Secret’ begins on the eve of the First World War. War on the major scale mirrors the micro level ‘war’ playing out in the protagonist Fleurette Delocroix’s soul as she is forced into marriage with Aimery de Lasset, a man she dislikes intensely. What makes the situation a battle is that Fleurette, although loved by her family finds them the very ones who are pushing her into this marriage. Fiona tells me when we chat that she wanted to demonstrate to readers the weak position of women of the time, even the wealthy and talented ones like Fluerette. In spite of their abilities choices are made for them and they are still dictated by their gender.
Fleurette’s surname of Delocroix translates as ‘cross’ or ‘crossroads’ perhaps a hint to the fact Fleurette is at a crossroad in her own life.
Fleurette has an amazing gift, she is a ‘nose’, a person with the unique olfactory ability to discern the scents and fragrances of perfumes. Fiona says the olfactory is an important sense for not just perfumers but also the scent of survival for babies, its also important for cooks, chefs, wine and cheesemakers who must develop a keen sense of smell to ensure their product is produced to the highest standards.
Fiona had an olfactory holiday in which she participated in the academic study of perfume! It was important for Fiona to create for Fleurette a real fragrance for the modern world but one of ‘integrity’ composed from the ingredients that were available in Fleurette’s time, including ingredients sourced from wood, flowers, animal extracts, vanilla and tobacco!
Fiona was a model perfumer student and her instructors informed her that not being a drinker or a smoker she had the perfect ‘clean palate’ so that she had a remarkable clarity in discerning scents. They even suggested she would make a perfect perfumer! However, Fiona believes that although it would be nice she is probably too entrenched in the world of the writing to make such a complet career change at this stage!
The Perfumer’s Secret is out now published by Penguin Books
Fiona will be appearing for an Afternoon tea at 2pm 13th December at Hadley’s Hobart. To book call Dymocks on 03 6231 6656 or email [email protected]
