Perfumery Apprentice Vipul Suri Debuts Itr: A Fragrant Odyssey Book

Perfumery apprentice Vipul Suri has debuted their book, Itr: A Fragrant Odyssey, where readers are invited to explore the artistry of perfume-making, where each ingredient is carefully chosen and blended to evoke emotions and tell a story. Below is a synopsis of Itr and a one-on-one with the book's author.

Book Synopsis

Itr takes readers on a captivating olfactory odyssey, delving into the art of perfume creation and the personal journey of its protagonist, Vipul Suri. Set against the backdrop of the enchanting world of fragrance, this novel unravels the complexities of scent and explores the power it holds over memory, emotion, and identity.

Suri, a talented young professional in the perfumer industry, embarks on a quest to create his signature fragrance, one that captures the essence of his soul. His journey begins with a chance encounter with an enigmatic mentor, Raghunath Sahai Suri, his grandfather, a reclusive perfumer known for his unparalleled expertise and unique approach to scent composition.

As Suri immerses himself in the alchemical world of perfume creation, he unravels the secrets hidden within each aromatic note. From the delicate blooms of a Provencal landscape to the exotic attars of an ancient market, he traverses the globe, seeking inspiration from the diverse landscapes and cultures he encounters.

However, the creation of his masterpiece proved to be more challenging than he ever imagined. He wrestles with the dichotomy of structure and intuition, attempting to balance the rigid rules of traditional perfumery with his boundless creativity. Along the way, he grapples with self-doubt, learns the importance of patience, and discovers the transformative power of perseverance.

As Suri's journey in perfumery takes shape, it becomes intertwined with his journey of self-discovery. Memories are long forgotten resurfacing, evoking emotions and unlocking hidden desires. Through the transformative power of scent, Suri finds himself reevaluating his relationships, confronting his past, and embracing his true self.

courtesy of the author

Connecting with the Author

What made you want to write this book?

Vipul Suri [VS]: Well, I have traveled to many countries and cities. I interacted with many cultures as I lived in Africa, China, Mumbai and now Dubai. I always wanted to summarize my journey and experiences in the realm of fragrances. Also, brings out my family heritage.

What did the process look like for gathering content?

VS: It took me two years to gather my thoughts and put all my experiences in black and white. It is a journey that also involves stories and lessons from my grandfather. It is a complete introspective novel about my indulgence in the realm of fragrances.

What makes this book different from others on the market?

VS: Precisely, I am the first Indian author to write such a story and an introspective book on perfumery, which includes a lot of creative ways to learn perfumery and also some notes on the future of the perfumery industry.

What do you hope readers take away from it?

VS: The basics of perfumery include how to buy perfumes, how to smell, how to capture fragrance in a bottle and lots more.