Much like the layering of a fragrance: beginning with the base notes, then the heart and finishing with the top notes, Adelle Stripes’ memories have been as beautifully captured and ‘layered’ for readers. Her scent: a northern 1980s aroma with notes of beauty, wit, bleakness, heartbreak, accompanied always by her yearning for escape … for more. Base Notes is a profoundly moving and poignant memoir by this talented writer.