35-year old Astrid Dahl falls from grace after an incident at a Banres & Noble book reading. Struggling with writer's block and a failing attempt to live a healthier life, she returns to her co-founded writing circle for inspiration, only to be distracted by a young, fellow writer named Ivy. Interest becomes a toxic obsession as Astrid tries to navigate her penchant for drugs, her overwhelming collection of perfumes, her inevitable aging, and her consistently self-destructive behavior.

I finished this novel in one sitting on a flight from NJ to CA, so that should speak to how engaging the story is. Dorn’s writing is intense, compelling, controversial yet charming. The book is messy, challenging, and campy while touching on the evolution of cancel culture and the disparities between generations.

I’ll be honest, in the beginning I was unsure if this book was for me. Astrid is a complicated hot mess, and while I do love an unhinged female protagonist, I had a really hard time liking her. I felt like Astrid was shocking for the sake of being shocking without there being anything deeper. “People take me too seriously,” she says, “My characters are rude and unhinged so why do people always freak out when I act like my characters, who readers love?” And that was the struggle I was facing. While we love these messy characters on the page, they aren’t who we would want to engage with in real life… and unfortunately Astrid was feeling way too real. But that may have been an intentional move by Dorn, because as the story progresses, Astrid’s struggles become much more relatable. The character development was solid and by the end of the book I felt a closeness to Astrid while rooting for her success.

Regardless of my hesitancy to the main character, I really enjoyed Dorn’s writing style. The narrative felt like you cracked open Astrid’s head and all of her thoughts dumped out. It was refreshing to read such a raw and unapologetic perspective from a women struggling to navigate growing up in an industry that wants us to stay forever young.

I think this book was good. The cast of characters was interesting and all so different from one another. I love the setting and environment this book created it really helped to create well rounded and dynamic characters.

Run, don’t walk. A 60s pulp fiction (Carol!) inspired messy lesbian book - need I say more really?

The first chapter had me actually laughing out loud.

Astrid is moderately successful novelist, living in LA and recovering from a public gaffe that has resulted in “minor cancellation”. She’s witty, and observant, like most writers, and wholly unlikable, and yet I root for her all the same. She’s 35, dates 27, acts 22 - vain, with a fragile ego and penchant for self-loathing behavior (like relying on romantic relationships to boost her low self-esteem). Recently sober (ish), Astrid has replaced the high of drugs with that of chasing Ivy, a grad student in her Sapphic writing group and buying perfume while avoiding her nosy new neighbor, the middle-aged lesbian next door, Penelope. She is in the process of adapting her book to the screen but can’t seem to keep her foot out of her mouth. Astrid proclaiming that the words “sapphic” and “queer” feel corporate and TikTok-y about sums up her inner monologue. This is a really clever book, with an MC who is unafraid of being somewhat controversial.

Dorn’s writing creates a compelling mess of Astrid, who is self-aware. She knows she is a tornado of self-destruction, but she can’t help herself. Leo’s are selfish after all (rising signs are what matters, let’s be real).

As the novel progresses, and Penelope works her way into Astrid’s life, first through charming her friends, then showing kindness to Astrid herself, Astrid’s begins to slowly shift her perspective, if not her behavior, right away.

The writing is excellent, and at times very meta, as this is not a book that takes itself too seriously. Dorn’s talent is obvious with every turn of the page - you won’t want to put it down, mostly because you’ll find yourself laughing and nodding along with her sharp and biting analysis of what it means to be gay in a world of Tiktok, and sexual fluidity.

Also hands down funniest line - “poodles are a very judgmental breed”. Facts!

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC.

Wow, Perfume and Pain is a gripping and compelling take on lesbian pulp fiction by Anna Dorn. The main character Astrid is not necessarily likeable but she is glorious and loveable in her messiness. This is the first book I've read by Anna Dorn, and I definitely want to read others soon. I felt transported to this particular scene in L.A. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC.

honestly had no idea what to expect going into this one but the premise was exciting! I def wasn't disappointed as far as premise goes - messy queer (esp sapphic) novels are my bread n butter and this one had a good character arc that also made it more enjoyable than if she was just being a self destructive & chaotic mess the entire time. also liked the ending.

the protagonist Astrid is insufferable (and even 'cancellable') at times but you can't help but root for her all the same. loved the lesbian pulp references + the pop culture references, interesting combo that worked really well, but may not age gracefully (but maybe it will idk). loved the LA setting (felt like it was captured perfectly), the toxic dynamics, the perfume fixation, the idea of outgrowing ones own coping mechanisms.

I will say that Astrid can be a bit judgmental, even (almost even especially) towards other queer people, which rubbed me wrong at times. it definitely got it's point across though and I felt like she was a fully fleshed out character - problematic and hilarious and unapologetically messy.

if any of the above sounds like your cup of tea, I definitely recommend! this was compulsively readable and I had a v fun time.

The Run-Down:
Perfume and Pain by Anna Dorn is a compulsively readable satire about a messy, problematic lesbian writer that’s delightfully—yet occasionally slightly worryingly—subtle.

Review:
Perfume and Pain by Anna Dorn is the sort of book that feels like it could be dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands, much in the same way that American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis (to whom this book makes several allusions) could be seen as aspirational by the very people it attempts to mock. The main character, problematic lesbian author Astrid Dahl is utterly captivating to read about. She’s a successful writer who, despite being recently “cancelled,” gains a movie deal for one of her books with a famous actress’s production company. Astrid copes with her social discomfort (and probable autism, although she won’t admit it to herself except in jest) and need for attention with a combination of drugs she calls the “Patty Highsmith” and a series of obsessive relationships with women who are somehow more toxic and obsessive than her. Also, she’s straight-up a bad person? She’s self-centered, reckless, and destructive to those around her. At the same time, however, Dorn makes it hard not to empathize with her—and even root for her at times. Unable to stop herself from silencing her opinion, the brash and self-aware Astrid will express some of the vilest queerphobic viewpoints imaginable and in the next breath make a refreshingly honest and insightful point about lesbianism and modern society.

The real question is where the satire stops (if it ever does) and the earnestness begins, which is what makes Perfume and Pain feel transgressive and risky.


You might like this book if . . .
• You like to read fast-paced, satirical books about messy, white, problematic queer people
• You’re interested in explorations of online fame, toxic relationships, and modern lesbian (and queer) identities
• You enjoy books that discuss LA celebrity culture and cultural narcissism


You might not like this book if . . .
• You don’t want to read the POV of a character who expresses extremely harmful and hateful opinions about other queer people
• You don’t like to read about interpersonal relationship drama
• You want to read a book that takes a obvious, in-text stance against its characters’ immoral and problematic behavior

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

*4.5 stars

Ok. Wow! I am pretty unfamiliar with the lesbian pulp genre and this is the first of Dorn's books that I have read, so I didn't know what to expect going in. That was honestly the wildest ride a book has ever taken me on. And I enjoyed every second of it! Astrid is so messy and flawed and REAL that it's impossible not to be invested in her story. As unhinged as Astrid is, she's also hilarious. Like I was laughing out loud on the New York subway at some of these quotes. Do yourself a favor and preorder a copy.

Thank you to the NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Immediate 5-star rating. I knew it would be simply from the opening page and thankfully, this book did not let me down! I'm a big fan of queer literary fiction, specifically centering women's stories (especially unhinged, sometimes cringe-y, sometimes unlikeable women's stories!) and this novel checked all the boxes. Astrid Dahl is semi-problematic, yes. But her character development throughout this story deeply resonated with me.

This book is funny, endearing, weird, and totally relatable. Once I finished, I found myself wondering, "what's Astrid up to now?"

The writing style and controversial narrator reminded me of that of Melissa Broder and Ottessa Moshfegh. This book is for fans of Big Swiss and Milk Fed—basically for fans of unhinged lesbian drama! Thanks again for this ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars! Immediately requesting a copy of the Kendall Jenner Dyke Fanfic please and thank you.

First off, this cover art was just the epitome of hot and cool, which honestly was a perfect reflection of the book as well.

Let’s get into it. I absolutely LOVED Perfume and Pain. This was the queer millennial novel I didn’t realized I’d needed. I identified so much with Astrid and was genuinely laughing throughout the majority of this book.

One of my favorite quotes (which is maybe a bit toxic of me but whatever) was “I love a stalker, even when I’m the victim—it’s flattering!” I screamed.

I genuinely loved all of the characters, and loved how authentic Astrid was (even when being slightly annoying and problematic).

This book just also really validated my love of The L Word and being obsessed with having multiple signature perfume scents (I will continue to buy more perfume varieties until I’m universally know as the girl that always smells good!!!) I can’t wait to read more by Anna Dorn.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an ARC of Perfume and Pain in exchange for my honest review!

While I felt that I was missing out on a lot of the humor and cultural references in this book, since I'm not as schooled on lesbian culture as I should be, I still enjoyed reading this. The main character was incredibly unlikeable, but instead of being annoying, she kept me interested in the various goings-on of her life.

Anna Dorn's "Perfume and Pain" felt very relatable and was a fun, messy read. A woman on a "Patricia Highsmith", or as I like to call it "Judy Garland-ing" bender, destroying everything that she's worked for in life by letting your worst impulses play out. Let the cards fall where they may! Except it almost always works out for unreliable narrators like Astrid Dahl.

So hot. So sapphic. So good.

Astrid is a 35 year old novelist going through the motions. She copes with her failing love life and being “cancelled” by drinking, taking drugs, ordering perfume, and getting herself into relationships with toxic women. She is just unlikeable and self aware enough that I absolutely loved her and was rooting for her the entire time. She knows she’s privileged and entitled and owns it even in her lowest of lows.
Astrid ends up moving into this little bungalow that shares a yard with her neighbor, Penelope. At first, Astrid hates Penelope, but then she softens when Penelope starts befriending Astrid’s friends and brother. They all hang out together, throw gay banter, etc. I can’t spoil anything, but omg I loved loved loved Penelope and Astrid’s strange and mutually horny encounters.
There are so many pop culture references - some I understood and some I didn’t - and it’s incredibly fast paced. I can’t say enough good things about this book. Just so fun. (And hot. Did I mention that already?) Astrid is on a journey of self discovery, disappointment, heartache, aging *gasp*, and cancel culture.
After reading this, I’m determined to get my hands on some smutty lesbian pulp.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.

As a lesbian and a perfume lover this book was calling to me before I even started it and left me ordering samples of Moonmilk perfume. The book is written first person style by essentially a manic author and her journey to continue writing and get healthy. Despite the extreme red flags, the main character, Astrid Dahl, exhibits I still found her oddly relatable, which maybe says more about me then it should. Astrid Dahl is a blunt but humorous character, and you get to see the ins and outs of her manic thoughts, struggles with addiction, and the reality of dating in the lesbian community. Anna Dorn has an addictive writing style that makes reading this book feels as fast paced and intense as Astrid Dahl's manic thoughts. Anna Dorn also brings up important lesbian history by utilizing lesbian pulp fiction to add to her story, this aspect made me add some lesbian pulp fiction to my TBR. I have previously never read an Anna Dorn book but after reading this book I will be going back to read her others.

it’s giving yellowface but ✨gay✨ thank you netgalley for providing this arc! at first i was a lil turned off by the constant mention of tiktoks but the constant mentions of the l word was givingggg. the main character was so unlikeable, but i enjoyed reading about her messy career and love life. this book isn’t what i expected but i was pleasantly surprised with how much i liked it once i reached into the 40% mark. i’m always down to read more lesbian rep and for my first anna dorn book, i’m content with it! 3.5 stars so round up to 4 :)

I didn’t realize how anxiety-inducing and chaotic this book would be before diving into it. But it's perfect for me: it’s bitter, witty, sarcastic, dark, and breaks my heart a little.

As a Taurus, I felt offended right from the very first page (stubborn, slow, cocky for no good reason?). Yet, as a masochist, I couldn't put it down and finished it in just a few sittings. Now, I'm officially obsessed with it. It's fitting that this is a book about obsession.

Now, I'm eager to move to Eagle Rock, reread 'The Price of Salt,' and write a story about my version of a self-indulgent woman doing self-indulgent things.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC, and I can't wait to read this book again in paperback when it is officially released. *obsession*

We are living through the corporatization of queerness. Big box stores whose profits were once spent funding the campaigns of bigots now turn into one-stop-shops for Pride attire each June. Academic institutions that once scorned students for expressing same-sex love now offer degrees to study the subjugation they perpetrated. This irony exists at the core of pulp fiction. Cheap pages bearing lurid stories worth more than the crap they're printed on. It's all so...camp. And back in the day, before everyone was out, queer stories flourished on these pages. Since then, pride has taken on a new meaning. More people are out, less ashamed of their identities. But these stories, which played a role in both positively normalizing lesbian relationships and negatively etching their stereotypes in the literary canon, now must reckon with themselves. How can queer stories be subversive if everyone is queer? Perfume and Pain by Anna Dorn bravely takes a stab at this conundrum, expertly crafting a lesbian pulp drama about a gaggle of girls and gays enmeshed in the political academia of lesbian pulp fiction. From The Price of Salt, or Carol to a drug-cocktail named after that very book's author (Patricia Highsmith), this novel did its homework on gay history and demonstrates how a story can alter a relic from the past, morphing it into just the novel our current society needs.
Today, lesbianism exists in an uncomfortable reality. Being gay and out has never been more common. There are mainstream memes that reference once niche aspects of queer culture. But many of these jokes center around the assimilation of gay men into a place of prominence in the cultural zeitgeist. Women who love women are often forgotten or, worse yet, purposefully omitted from the queer spaces they once helped build. They are rendered sexless and misunderstood in their broader cultural depiction. And I rarely read love stories with lesbian characters that feels true to my own experiences.
Enter Perfume and Pain! This novel is brilliant. Protagonist Astrid Dahl, a Swedish-American lesbian writer who is not related to Roald, has been on and off a bender for years, one that supported her publishing three successful books, albeit with some bad PR trails. After finally securing an apartment she believes will be the sanctuary where she finally becomes a better person, she has to move next door to an older woman who smells like a jam band and won't leave her alone. As Astrid's romance blossoms with a younger woman (who smells like Victoria's Secret perfume) who studies lesbian pulp novels, she wonders if she's not a character in this other woman's literary re-enactment.
With all the dry queer hilarity of Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead and the uncanny terror of a woman who isn't to be trusted (a la Ottessa Moshfegh), Anna Dorn's latest novel belongs in the lesbian literary hall of fame. I can't wait to go back and read more of her work!

Thank you to Anna Dorn, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

Was so scared for this bc Exalted is one of my fav books everrr but anna dorn is a fucking star ofc!! Love the cover love the prose love the references Love how she writes characters Love the meta! This is also the perfect balance of being online without being unbearable and that is so rare.

4.5 Stars! Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the arc!

Devoured this voraciously and loved mostly every second of it. I loved loved this tale of our unhinged lesbian narrator, her struggles with creativity and sex, romance, and addiction. I was also so here for the pop culture commentary (because why am I looking at Carol differently now...) and the perfume descriptions (Jeremy Fragrance has nothing on Astrid). I will be purchasing this immediately and recommending it to all of my fellow fans of unhinged women and lesbian litfic. Anna Dorn slayed.

Anna Dorn is such a great storyteller. Her writing is honest, funny, and endearing. I especially enjoy how she writes women, mixing humor and perspective to highlight the inner turmoil of the female experience. Perfume and Pain is another piece of excellent writing from Dorn and as always, I look forward to what’s coming next.

Perfume & Pain by Anna Dorn follows controversial author, Astrid Dahl, navigating being 30, being canceled, and being in love with all the wrong people. Astrid is impulsive, toxic, downright disagreeable, and makes wrong decision after wrong decision. Still, I was partial to her and grew to root for her more and more as the book went on. She felt less like an annoying character in a book and more like a friend who has their flaws. While problematic, she was entertaining and although unhinged, her rants were sprinkled with truths.

Dorn touches on topics ranging from celebrity culture to substance abuse to internet discourse, specifically in the queer community, in such sharp and insightful ways. She captures obsession, desire, ego, vanity, and pays homage to 1950s lesbian pulp fiction.

Unhinged, hilarious, & above all, compelling. This is my easily my favorite book that I have read this year. I simply could not put it down.

Perfume & Pain comes out May 21st, 2024. Thank you to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.