Author M.J. Rose Inspired by Lost Fragrances

Writer M.J. Rose’s latest novel, “The Book of Lost Fragrances,” is a sweeping tale of history, passion and suspense told through scent. The fictional fragrance at the heart of the novel, which carries readers from the days of ancient Egypt to the streets of modern Paris, is Âmes Sœurs, or “soul mates.” Rose, bestselling author of 11 novels and founder of AuthorBuzz.com, said her fascination with fragrance dates back to her days in advertising.
“I got to work on Opium, the perfume. From then on I was really in love with it and thought it was very interesting,” she said during an interview with In A Bottle. When Rose read about Cleopatra's obsession with scent, and the lost recipe book in which the pharaoh is said to have kept her fragrance formulas, she knew she had the idea for a new book.
Here, the author shares her favorite scents in a bottle and beyond.

What is your favorite fragrance “in a bottle?”
I’ve been wearing Âmes Sœurs, the fragrance that was created for the book.

What does it evoke for you?
While writing The Book of Lost Fragrances, to keep in the world of scent, I burned candles. When I was finished I searched out the perfumer who’d created the candles that had inspired me the most — Frederick Bouchardy, owner of Joya Studios—and gave him a copy of the manuscript as a thank you. Inspired by the book, Bouchardy has brought the perfume to life with his version: Âmes Sœurs, The Scent of Soul Mates. Bouchardy interpreted the novel's imagined fragrance with notes of Frankincense, Myrrh, Orange Blossom, and Jasmine.

What is your favorite scent that can’t be captured “in a bottle?”
The smell of wisteria when it’s in bloom, which actually can’t really be turned into a perfume. Because of how perfumes are made and different essences are captured, not all of them can be used in fragrance. Wisteria is one of them. I just love the way it smells.

Âmes Sœurs: The Scent of Soul Mates has top notes of tamarind, grapefruit and cypress; mid-notes of bulgar, ginger and orange blossom; and a dry down of cedarwood, incense, amber and sweet musk. The fragrance, including a limited edition run of 15 special containers with hammered gold covers, will be available later this spring at select stores and JoyaStudio.com.