A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain by Robert Olen Butler

This collection of short stories provides a poignant look at the Vietnamese immigrant experience in America, specifically Louisiana. Each tale is told from the perspective of a different character, ranging from a former translator for the Australian army, to a woman who believes she is possessed by the spirit of Ho Chi Minh. The stories delve into themes of cultural identity, assimilation, memory, and the lingering effects of the Vietnam War, offering a deeply humanizing perspective on a community often marginalized or misunderstood.

The 10472nd greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 18

Since this book was first published in 1992, there is a penalty of 28.8%. The age adjusted score is 12.82.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.