A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain Book Summary - A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain Book explained in key points

A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain summary

Robert Olen Butler

Brief summary

A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain by Robert Olen Butler is a collection of short stories that provides a poignant and intimate glimpse into the lives of Vietnamese immigrants in America, capturing their struggles and triumphs with grace and sensitivity.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain
    Summary of key ideas

    Exploring the Vietnamese-American Experience

    In A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain by Robert Olen Butler, we are taken on a journey through the lives of Vietnamese immigrants living in Louisiana. The stories are narrated by a variety of characters, all of whom are Vietnamese, and each story provides a unique perspective on the immigrant experience.

    The title of the book refers to the Vietnamese belief that the spirits of the dead reside in the mountains, and the scent of their presence can be detected by the living. This belief is a recurring motif throughout the stories, symbolizing the characters' longing for their homeland and their struggle to adapt to their new lives in America.

    Struggles and Adaptations

    The stories in A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain depict the struggles and adaptations of the Vietnamese immigrants. In one story, a former soldier who fought for the South Vietnamese army during the war, now living in Louisiana, reflects on his past and the loss of his homeland. In another, a woman who was once a wealthy landowner in Vietnam now works as a maid in America, her life turned upside down by the war.

    Butler's characters grapple with the challenges of assimilation, language barriers, and cultural differences. They also face prejudice and discrimination from their American neighbors, who often view them with suspicion due to their association with the Vietnam War.

    Complexities of Identity

    Throughout A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain, the characters navigate the complexities of their dual identity. They are Vietnamese, but they are also American. They are deeply rooted in their homeland's traditions and customs, yet they are also influenced by the American way of life. This duality creates a constant tension within them, as they struggle to reconcile their past with their present.

    Butler's stories also highlight the generational divide within the Vietnamese community. The older immigrants, who remember Vietnam before the war, often find it difficult to adapt to their new lives in America. In contrast, their children, who have grown up in the United States, feel a sense of detachment from their parents' homeland.

    Reflections on War and Loss

    War and its aftermath are central themes in A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain. The characters' memories of the Vietnam War are vivid and haunting, and the stories are filled with reflections on loss, trauma, and the devastating impact of war on their lives. The immigrants' experiences of displacement and exile are a direct result of the war, and their narratives serve as a powerful reminder of its enduring legacy.

    In conclusion, A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain is a deeply moving exploration of the Vietnamese-American experience. Through his richly drawn characters and evocative storytelling, Butler offers a poignant portrayal of the immigrant struggle, the complexities of identity, and the lasting scars of war. The book provides a unique and important perspective on the Vietnam War and its aftermath, shedding light on a community whose stories are often overlooked.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain about?

    A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain is a collection of short stories that delves into the lives of Vietnamese immigrants living in the United States. Through beautifully crafted narratives, the book explores themes of identity, family, and the clash of cultures, offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the immigrant experience.

    A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain Review

    A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain (1992) explores the experiences and emotions of Vietnamese immigrants in America, providing a unique perspective on cultural identity and belonging. Here's why this book stands out:

    • Featuring rich cultural insights and nuanced character portrayals, it offers a deep understanding of the immigrant experience.
    • The stories delve into universal themes such as love, loss, and longing, resonating with readers on a profound level.
    • Its subtle and poignant narratives capture the complexities of human relationships, ensuring that each story is engaging and thought-provoking.

    Who should read A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain?

    • Readers who enjoy exploring issues of cultural identity and displacement
    • Those interested in the experiences of Vietnamese immigrants living in the United States
    • Individuals who appreciate well-crafted, emotionally resonant short stories

    About the Author

    Robert Olen Butler is an American author known for his compelling storytelling and unique perspectives. With a background in both literature and Vietnam War studies, Butler brings a depth of understanding to his work. He has written numerous novels and short story collections, exploring themes of love, war, and the human experience. Some of his notable works include Severance, Perfume River, and Tabloid Dreams. Butler's ability to capture the complexities of life has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated readership.

    Categories with A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    34 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain FAQs 

    What is the main message of A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain?

    The main message of A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain is the exploration of cultural identity and human connection.

    How long does it take to read A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain?

    Reading time for A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain varies. Our Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.

    Is A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Every reader will find A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain enriching, offering profound insights in a concise form.

    Who is the author of A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain?

    The author of A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain is Robert Olen Butler.

    What to read after A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain?

    If you're wondering what to read next after A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
    • The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis by Jose Saramago
    • Life and Times of Michael K by J. M. Coetzee
    • The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing
    • One of Ours by Willa Cather
    • Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann
    • A Bell for Adano by John Hersey
    • Tales of the South Pacific by James A. Michener
    • The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews
    • Alanna by Tamora Pierce