I love mess! And I love lesbian mess the most! Astrid was a great character, she sucked so much but was so easy to root for. Reading her thoughts about lesbianism and literature and love were fun and thought provoking (though there did seem to be some moments of biphobia in there that I think could have just been left out, loving women isn’t a contest!). I loved the through-line of perfume and Astrid chaotically seeking her signature scent. I’m not super familiar with lesbian pulp but this makes me motivated to read (especially The Price of Salt, it’s weird I’ve not read it given I have enjoyed other Highsmith novels). This was an all around treat of a book, it’s a love story and a growing up story and a messy, funny one throughout.