The Must-Read: On The Scent
Award-winning reporter Paola Totaro’s astonishing new book entitled ‘On The Scent’ just may be one of the most unlikely must-reads for any fragrance enthusiast. Why? Because she chronicles the experience of losing her sense of smell following Covid in March 2020. Trapped in a sensory vacuum without fragrance or flavour, she embarked on a journey of discovery to unravel the mysteries – and eccentricities – of our sense of smell.
What she immediately learned is our sense of smell shapes our everyday experiences in ways we often don’t even notice. Its loss can affect our emotional wellbeing, our relationships, our ability to intercept the world around us – and yet it has long been regarded as the least important of our senses.
The Covid global pandemic changed everything. As it became clear the loss of smell was a key symptom and the number of sufferers exploded, olfactory researchers suddenly found themselves thrust into the spotlight, with more attention, subjects and funding than ever before.
Paola’s in depth research, from the theories of ancient philosophers to the cutting-edge laboratories of 21st century neuroscience, you’ll gain a new appreciation of how complex your sense of smell is. You’ll understand how your sense of smell works and why you are drawn to certain notes and ingredients in a fragrance.
In the end, it is a hopeful and optimistic story for anyone dealing with a scent issue or illness. Totaro ends the book showing how new research may offer hope to the millions of people worldwide who have suffered sensory loss. And how she learned a new appreciation for how her body works.
Liz Howard
March 7, 2023 at 10:25 pmInteresting, my dad had no sense of smell and my son is the same.
Linda L
March 3, 2023 at 6:39 amI’m sure this is an interesting read. Our sense of smell is so important!
Catherine Young
March 2, 2023 at 10:21 pmI would like to read this.
September Dee
March 1, 2023 at 3:52 pmAnother book to add to the reading list. Sounds good!
Brenda Cremer
March 1, 2023 at 9:39 amThis is so interesting, I know friends that had lost their sense of smell, I didn’t lose my sense of smell but I still have sinus issues three months post Covid.
sarah robinson
February 26, 2023 at 3:51 pminteresting-)