2570 The Alleys of Eden, by Robert Olen Butler (read 20 Jan 1994) I was so impressed by Butler's prize-winning A Good Scent From a Strange Mountain that I decided to read more by him. This is his first published book (1981). It tells of Cliff, who deserts in Vietnam and shacks up with a Vietnamese whore. The book is filthy, filled with verbal pictures I hope I will forget. I found Cliff a revolting person. This is a book that made me glad I was raised as I was and that I have been true to my upbringing. The book is dedicated to the author's parents. If a child of mine dedicated a book like this to me I'd disown him. Ugh. ( )