This was the second Tom Robbins book I read and by far my favorite (I kind of wish I'd read it later, so that I wouldn't have such high expectations for all the others). In classic Robbins style it's got a good mix of mythology, romance, humor, and eccentricity, but I thought the story was more interesting than his other books and the characters much more likable. I've found some of his other books harder to finish because I don't care that much about the fates of the characters; this was not the case with Jitterbug Perfume. The agony of true love separated by time/space/metaphysical properties kept me reading in hopes that they would somehow find one another again. Also, on a side note, this book made me try beets for the first time, and I found them to be delicious. :) ( )

"Ein altes ukrainisches Sprichwort warnt: Eine Geschichte, die mit einer Roten Bete anfängt, endet mit dem Teufel." In Pan Aroma lauern noch ganz andere Gefahren auf den Leser: Wohlgerüche schlagen um in infernalischen Gestank, Dematerialisation birgt das Risiko einer Reise ohne Wiederkehr, und die Flüchtigkeit des Parfüms als Quelle ewigen Lebens wird zum Ausgangspunkt einer abenteuerlichen Jagd nach einem göttlichen Parfümfläschchen. ( )

This is my third Tom Robbins book. I liked it, but I'm starting to get the feeling that if you've read one Tom Robbins book, you've read them all. He even repeats phrases from book to book.

After I read "Another Roadside Attraction" (my first book of his) I remember wishing it was longer because it was so enjoyable. Then I read "Villa Incognito]"and again, wished it was just a little longer....

With this, I think I've been sated for a while. Maybe it was the way Robbins used a letter written by one of his characters right at the end of the book to seemingly break character a bit and throw a heavy dose of his (Robbins') personal philosophy on the reader. Up until that point, I believe I could have been looking for another of his books. But for now, I'll wait a bit before I take another trip with Robbins. ( )

Tom Robbins is funny, period. The characters and situations this guy comes up with are full of sacarsm, wit, cleverness, and imagination. My favorite part of his humor is his use of hilarious similes. Two of my favorites from this book are "He'd had more fun than an electric eel in a public bath," and "Finding herself stunned and upended by that knowledge, like a myopic houseguest who has walked into a patio door, Pris groped for sturdy furniture with which to right herself."

I didn't like the ending very much. Also, he can get a little vulgar sometimes. Besides that, the story lines were clever, the characters full of life, and it was a fun read.

Synopsis: The book has four distinct storylines. It starts with Alobar, an 11th century king who is about to be killed because he is too old. He escapes, and begins his quest for immortality. Alobar meets the immortal god Pan, who is slowly fading with the spread of Christianity. He then meets his reincarnated wife Wren in the form of a beautiful girl named Kudra. They marry and discover the Bandaloop practices for staying young.

In Seattle, Priscilla is an intelligent waitress looking for the perfect taco. She is also a perfume maker trying to discover the base to the next best perfume.

In New Orleans, Madame and V'lu are perfumers looking for a mysterious bottle.

In Paris, we meet two cousins who also run a successful perfume business, Claude and "Bunny" who has an exceptional sense of smell.

All of the characters are intertwined by perfume and scent. And beets. An unknown person is leaving them beets during the night.

Pros & Cons: For the first 80 pages or so, in typical Robbins style, I had no clue what the book was about. Robbins writes in a way that is captivating and seductive enough that, although I am completely bewildered, I am not bored. I am glad that this was not my first experience with a Robbins book because I may not have fully enjoyed the ride that he sends a reader on. It was thoroughly enjoyable by I liked Still Life with a Woodpecker better. ( )