A memoir of Victoria Schofield's thirty-year friendship with her Oxford contemporary, Benazir Bhutto.

Born to a wealthy and influential Pakistani family that has dominated the centre-left Pakistan Peoples Party since its founding in 1967, Benazir Bhutto twice served as prime minister of her country (thereby becoming the first woman to head a democratic government in a predominantly Muslim nation); she was assassinated in December 2007 while attempting a political comeback.

Schofield's memoir provides first-hand insights into Bhutto's transformation from Oxford undergraduate to political activist, prisoner and politician against the backdrop of an increasingly turbulent region. Drawing on diaries and letters, Schofield narrates with affection and emotional honesty the trajectory of her close and enduring bond with one of the most charismatic and controversial figures in South Asian politics – and a woman whose life and career were defined by tragedy.

Praise for The Fragrance of Tears:

'The story of a remarkable woman, but not as history has already written it. This intimate account could only have been written by someone like Victoria Schofield, who stood next to Benazir in everyday and earth-shaking moments, both as an astute observer and loyal friend' Lyse Doucet, BBC Chief International Correspondent

'A beautifully written and deeply moving account of Victoria Schofield's 33-year friendship with Benazir Bhutto. In the true style of memoir, she captures the person – dutiful daughter, erstwhile matchmaker, loyal friend, and, above all, courageous woman' Peter Galbraith, US Diplomat and Foreign Policy Adviser