Perfume

[myshkin]

Originally Posted by Strangelet

both writers require a peppering of misanthropy in the reader's personality for the experience to be enjoyed

Along those lines, to a degree anyway, I'd heavily recommend Celine's Journey to the End of the Night, or the great Knut Hamsun's more early works, particularly the great Hunger.
Another book that has come to mind was nearly a masterpiece but it maybe dragged a little bit in the latter half, was Ripley Bogleby Robert MacLiam Wilson, a story of an Irish down and out in London. Must actually get my hands on it again. Don't try and give up cigarettes while reading this book.