What Awards Did 'A Good Scent From A Strange Mountain' Win?

2025-06-14 22:42:21 40

3 answers

Cadence
Cadence
2025-06-19 05:32:14
I remember reading about 'A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain' and its accolades. This collection of short stories by Robert Olen Butler won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1993. It’s a powerful work that explores the lives of Vietnamese immigrants in America, blending cultural displacement with raw human emotion. The Pulitzer win wasn’t just a nod to its literary quality but also to how it captured the immigrant experience with such depth. Butler’s prose is hauntingly beautiful, and the way he weaves Vietnamese folklore into modern narratives is masterful. If you’re into stories that tackle identity and belonging, this is a must-read.
Yara
Yara
2025-06-17 12:56:57
When 'A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain' won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1993, it was a game-changer. The book stands out for its unique perspective—Vietnamese refugees telling their own stories in their own voices. Butler didn’t just write about them; he became them, channeling their fears, hopes, and memories with uncanny precision. The Pulitzer committee recognized how groundbreaking this was, especially at a time when immigrant narratives were often sidelined.

What’s fascinating is how the stories blend the supernatural with the mundane. Ghosts and folk tales aren’t just metaphors; they’re real to the characters, shaping their daily lives. The collection also earned Butler critical acclaim beyond the Pulitzer, cementing his place as a storyteller who could bridge cultures effortlessly. If you enjoyed 'The Sympathizer' by Viet Thanh Nguyen, you’ll find this equally compelling but with a quieter, more introspective tone.
Finn
Finn
2025-06-18 19:48:19
I’ve always been drawn to award-winning literature, and 'A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain' is a standout. It snagged the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and for good reason. Butler’s stories are like tiny, perfect gems—each one reflecting the struggles of Vietnamese immigrants in the U.S. The prose is lyrical but never overwrought, and the characters feel achingly real.

One story that stuck with me involves a man haunted by the ghost of Ho Chi Minh. It’s surreal yet deeply human, blending history with personal tragedy. The Pulitzer win put Butler on the map, but the book’s real triumph is how it makes you see the world through its characters’ eyes. If you’re into literary fiction that packs an emotional punch, this collection is unforgettable.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

Scent of Danger
Scent of Danger
Scent of Danger: Dark Lands book 3 Ever fall in love with the wrong man? With a body to make a young girl sigh and a voice like black velvet, Mathin is definitely the wrong man. He's not safe, he's not stable…he's not even human. Andrea doesn't know what she's getting into when she agrees to visit her granny. Swept away to another world by a man almost too hot to handle, she can't decide if it's a dream come true or someone's idea of a sick joke. Romanced by the light of the triple moons, entranced by Mathin's fiery kisses, will Andrea give up her home on Earth in exchange for something wild?
8
81 Chapters
Scent of Broken
Scent of Broken
Jefferson is a young detective. The case he is handling this time is about the two handsome and ruthless mafia brothers. He decides to become a their bodyguard to spy on them. But who would have thought his goal changed from wanting to put them in jail to wanting to get into his bed?
10
165 Chapters
Scent of Betrayal
Scent of Betrayal
I am Aria Flynn, and on the night of my 18th birthday, my best friend stole my scent, and my mate. Now, I have no wolf, no mate, and very little time to get these back, else I'd be kicked out of my pack, and declared a rogue. The rogue's are the only ones who know a way to steal the scent of others, and when a mysterious rogue stranger offers to help me get my scent back, my world tumbles. To my surprise, this mysterious stranger is none other than the Rogue King—the King of outlaws in the shifters realm, Kaidën Darkhaven. True to his status, he is ruthless and uncaring, selfish and brutal, at least that's what I'm made to believe. But I can only get revenge and get my life back if I pretend to be his mate. Should be easy... right?
Not enough ratings
79 Chapters
Strange Ties
Strange Ties
Parting had never been so painful for lovers whose connections was so strong and whose bond was simply unbreakable. When Tristan, a simple man whose life was filled with plans and steady waves that never shook him had to leave his beloved Danica when a mighty wave had taken him off balance and pushed him into being a coward, he thought it was going to simply be as simple as it had always been. Danica would remain in the dark and wouldn’t hate him and he would never return to his dark life. It was a simple plan, he would leave, get settled and bring his beloved Danica with him where he would not be found by the beast of a man who was targeting to take his blood, his peace and his life along side. The universe had a different plan when running away simply was not enough and his beloved Danica got tangled up with the mafia boss of San Diego, his younger brother. And it was no longer as easy as he wanted. Not just because he was so far away, or because Danica was tangled with his brother, it became difficult when Danica’s revenge scheme instantly took hold of her heart and pushed her into doing the very thing that would tear them apart. “Its simply a part of the plan,” she had said when he had confronted her about the relationship she had with his brother. But it was more, it was more because love, blood and revenge tangled them together. Where Danica had to either choose to take revenge for her father’s death and harm the men she loved the most or simply forget, pick one of the brothers and love him while her father’s murderer move around freely?
10
10 Chapters
Scent of Love
Scent of Love
Anastasia Miracle, famously known as Stacy Miracle, is a very popular actress. She can buy anything with the money that she earned through hard work. She believes she already has everything she wants; She does not believe in love because of the trauma she received from her father. She believes love is just a feeling that is temporary. She thinks she can find love in other things besides men. However, everything changed when he met Antoine Laurent Williams. Antoine is a billionaire who owns a luxurious perfumery business. Unconsciously, Stacy falls in love with the arrogant businessman but she is oblivious about it. While on the process of recognizing love with Antoine, Clark Paterson, a co-actor and a friend confessed his love towards Anastasia. For someone who don't believe in love, everything just seems to be so confusing to her. Will Anastasia be open with the idea of love? If she does, who will she choose? Antoine who showed her the true meaning of love? Or Clark who was just waiting and secretly loved her for so long?
Not enough ratings
5 Chapters
Scent of Desire
Scent of Desire
Death doesn’t scare me, Firefly. Even if I must swallow poison, I shall claim you as mine,” Keir whispered in her ears, holding Eliza’s wrist firmly. While trying to push him away, Eliza growled, pointing her dagger at him, “Any last wish then?” “Yes, fall in love with me.” Pulling her closer to his chest and looking into her eyes, he leaned closer to her face, “Damn! You are gonna kill me just with your glare, Firefly.” Eliza's face turned pale, hearing the clattering of footsteps, “Just leave before my brother finds you!” Keir brushed his thumb on her delicate lips as he whispered in a husky tone, “I will be back for you. Don't forget that you belong to me.” _____ Eliza, a werewolf princess, committed the sin of falling in love with her greatest enemy, Keir, the Lycan Prince. She faced the consequences too. Her family was murdered brutally while she escaped somehow. She pledged her hatred towards Keir for eternity. The destiny had another plan for them. Eliza found herself pregnant with Keir’s child. As a single mother with no money and power, it was extremely difficult to take care of everything when she collided with Keir once again. Surprisingly, Keir didn’t even remember her existence yet his soul recognised her scent. The intoxicating scent of desire and passion! The scent that tempted him 5 years ago to break all the rules and taboos to be with that divinely enchanting maiden. The closer he went to her, the more obsessed he became to claim her. That passionate flame was reignited when Keir found Eliza on his bed 5 years later, once again, asking for his love and passion. While Keir was ready to claim her again, Eliza was determined this time not to repeat her mistake…
10
97 Chapters

Related Questions

Who Wrote 'A Good Scent From A Strange Mountain'?

3 answers2025-06-14 07:03:34
Robert Olen Butler is the brilliant mind behind 'A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain'. This Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of short stories dives deep into the Vietnamese immigrant experience in Louisiana, blending cultural displacement with hauntingly beautiful prose. Butler's background as a Vietnam War veteran and his work in intelligence give his writing an authenticity that's hard to match. The way he captures the nuances of Vietnamese folklore while addressing universal themes of identity and belonging is nothing short of masterful. If you enjoy immigrant literature with a poetic touch, this collection will stay with you long after the last page.

Where Can I Buy 'A Good Scent From A Strange Mountain'?

3 answers2025-06-14 01:41:25
Looking for 'A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain'? You can grab it at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Book Depository. If you prefer supporting local businesses, check independent bookstores—many can order it if they don’t have it in stock. Digital versions are available on Kindle, Apple Books, or Kobo. Libraries often carry it too, especially if you’re in an area with a strong literary community. The book’s been around since the ’90s, so used copies pop up on eBay or ThriftBooks for a steal. If you’re into audiobooks, Audible might have it. Pro tip: Some university bookstores stock it for literature courses, so that’s worth a shot.

Why Is 'A Good Scent From A Strange Mountain' Considered A Must-Read?

3 answers2025-06-14 01:41:22
I stumbled upon 'A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain' during a book club meeting, and it completely shifted my perspective on immigrant narratives. Robert Olen Butler crafts these visceral, haunting stories about Vietnamese refugees in Louisiana, blending cultural displacement with raw humanity. The prose isn't just beautiful—it's immersive, making you taste the pho and feel the bayou humidity. What makes it a must-read is how it explores identity without clichés. Each story peels back layers of war trauma, generational gaps, and the surreal dance between American dreams and Vietnamese ghosts. The title story alone, with its ghostly encounter between a former aide to Ho Chi Minh and his estranged son, lingers like a scent you can't place but can't forget. It's not about politics; it's about people.

How Does 'A Good Scent From A Strange Mountain' Explore Vietnamese Culture?

3 answers2025-06-14 18:16:20
Robert Olen Butler's 'A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain' dives into Vietnamese culture through the lens of immigrants in America. The stories capture the tension between preserving traditions and adapting to a new world. Food, language, and family rituals become battlegrounds where identity is negotiated. The scent of pho simmering or the sound of Vietnamese spoken softly in Louisiana kitchens carries more weight than just nostalgia—it’s resistance. Ghost stories blend with Catholic saints, showing how spirituality evolves in exile. The book doesn’t romanticize; it shows the grit of survival, like a grandmother bargaining at a grocery store or a war veteran wrestling with guilt. These small moments reveal how culture isn’t static but alive, reshaped by every generation.

Is 'A Good Scent From A Strange Mountain' Based On True Stories?

3 answers2025-06-14 02:12:37
I've read 'A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain' multiple times, and while it isn't a collection of true stories in the strictest sense, it's deeply rooted in real experiences. Robert Olen Butler crafted these tales from interviews with Vietnamese immigrants, blending their voices with his imagination. The result feels authentic because he captures the emotional truth of displacement, war trauma, and cultural clashes. Stories like 'Mr. Green' or 'Fairy Tale' aren't documentaries, but they resonate like memories. Butler's background as a Vietnam War veteran adds another layer of credibility. The book doesn't claim to be nonfiction, but its power comes from how real it *feels*—the longing, the humor, the ghosts of the past.

How Does 'Frightful'S Mountain' Relate To 'My Side Of The Mountain'?

5 answers2025-06-20 19:36:00
In 'My Side of the Mountain', Sam Gribley escapes city life to live off the land in the Catskill Mountains, forging a deep bond with nature and a falcon named Frightful. 'Frightful's Mountain' shifts focus entirely to the falcon’s perspective, exploring her struggles after Sam releases her into the wild. The sequel delves into wildlife conservation themes, showing how human intervention impacts animals. While the first book romanticizes solitude and survival, the sequel confronts harsher realities—habitat destruction, captivity, and the ethics of domestication. Both books celebrate resilience but through different lenses: Sam’s journey is about self-discovery, while Frightful’s is about adaptation and freedom in a changing world. The connection between the two lies in their shared setting and characters, but their narratives diverge in purpose. 'My Side of the Mountain' is a coming-of-age adventure, whereas 'Frightful's Mountain' reads like an eco-fable. Jean Craighead George’s detailed knowledge of falconry bridges both stories, ensuring continuity despite the shift in protagonists. The emotional core remains—loyalty between human and animal—but the sequel expands it into a broader commentary on environmental stewardship.

Who Is The Author Of 'The Mountain Is You'?

3 answers2025-06-26 04:58:27
I've been digging into self-help books lately, and 'The Mountain Is You' caught my attention. The author is Brianna Wiest, who's known for her sharp insights on personal growth and emotional resilience. Her writing cuts through the usual fluff, offering practical wisdom about overcoming self-sabotage. Wiest has this knack for blending psychology with poetic clarity—her other works like '101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think' show the same style. What I appreciate is how she makes complex concepts feel accessible, like she's having a coffee chat rather than lecturing. For readers who enjoy Mark Manson or James Clear, her stuff hits that sweet spot between raw truth and actionable advice.

Who Wrote 'Cold Mountain' And Why?

3 answers2025-06-15 08:33:50
I've always been fascinated by 'Cold Mountain' and its author Charles Frazier. This novel came from a deeply personal place for Frazier, who grew up hearing stories about his great-great-uncle, a Confederate soldier who walked home after the Civil War. That family history became the backbone for Inman's journey in the book. Frazier spent years researching and writing, crafting this epic love story against the backdrop of war-torn America. What makes it special is how he blends historical detail with lyrical prose, creating a world that feels both authentic and poetic. The novel won the National Book Award in 1997, proving how powerful personal stories can resonate universally.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status