The first book I read by Bauermeister was called No Two Persons. It brilliantly portrayed, through a number of linked short stories in an unusual structure, how fiction can affect different people in totally different ways. No two persons will ever have exactly the same take-away from a novel. This is my second novel by Erica Bauermeister, and it is rather unique as well.
In this book, the main character Emmaline navigates coming-of-age, finding her identity, questioning her background, planning her future, sorting out what she holds most dear, but the focus is mostly on the unique guiding force in her life–her keen sense of smell.
Emmeline lives an enchanted childhood, secluded on a remote island with her father, who teaches her about the natural world through her senses but tells her very little else. What he won’t explain are the mysterious scents stored in the drawers that line the walls of their cabin, or the origin of the machine that creates them. The most critical thing he doesn’t tell her, is anything about her mother, or how she and her father came to be on a remote island. As Emmeline grows, so too does her curiosity, until one day she is vaulted out into the real world – a place of love, betrayal, ambition, and revenge. To understand her past, Emmeline must unlock the ‘real’ world and the clues to her identity–a challenging quest.
The sense of smell is fascinating. I’ve often been in awe of how dogs have such an exponentially greater sense of smell compared to humans. I’ve been surprised by a vivid memory of long ago, conjured from a smell. I admit to having baked cookies or bread on a day potential buyers would be in the house, to make the space more inviting. The way the author wafts the power of scent through Emmaline’s propulsive story, makes for a very readable and enjoyable novel.
PS: This book influenced my trip to the grocery store this morning. I bought yeast and cardamom based on her descriptions of the rich aroma of Cardamom Buns. I had forgotten about cardamom, I haven’t tasted or smelled it in years. I’ll make some of those buns this weekend! 🙂
Joanne's Reading Blog 
Synchronicity: You review a book by Bauermeister and before I read your review I visit an independent bookstore, new to me, and discover a memoir by Bauermeister called House Lessons. This morning before reading email I had not opened while we were out of town for a few days, I started reading the memoir and so much resonates with me. Now here is your review and I expect I will be reading novels by Bauermeister in the future. Synchronicity.
Delightful!