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The strange potency of cheap perfume

Adelle Stripe has constructed a memoir around 18 key fragrances, but it is the Body Shop’s cheery Dewberry that evokes her worst teenage experience

8 February 2025

9:00 AM

8 February 2025

9:00 AM

Base Notes: The Scents of Life Adelle Stripe

White Rabbit, pp.288, 20

Ah, the scents of one’s youth! What hot, sour teenage kisses and grinding youth club discos would be conjured up for me by one whiff of Aqua Manda or the original Charlie. Adelle Stripe has constructed a memoir around 18 key fragrances, one for each chapter of her life, but true perfume addicts may find ‘the juice’ somewhat lacking.

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