* A Symbol of Loss and Yearning: The perfume bottles represent her mother, Deborah, who died when Lily was young. Deborah loved perfume, and Lily holds onto the scent as a way to feel close to her. Each smell is a nostalgic journey back to a time when she felt loved and safe.
* Seeking Connection and Identity: Lily is searching for her place in the world and who she truly is. She feels disconnected from her father and is trying to understand her mother's life and her own heritage. The perfumes represent different personalities and ways of being, and Lily is trying to find one that resonates with her own.
* A Form of Comfort and Escapism: The act of smelling the perfumes offers Lily a temporary escape from her troubled past and the harsh realities of her current life. Each scent creates a different world, a temporary haven from the pain and loneliness she feels.
* A Metaphor for the Power of Scent: The novel emphasizes the power of scent to evoke memories and emotions. The perfumes act as powerful reminders of Lily's past, her yearning for her mother, and her desire for love and belonging.
In essence, the perfume bottles are more than just objects in the novel. They represent Lily's emotional journey, her longing for connection and identity, and her struggle to find her place in the world.