Big Books of 2026
Jitterbug Perfume

Questions About Jitterbug Perfume

by Tom Robbins

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Answered Questions (2)

On top of page 138 of the most recent paperback version there is mention of Avicenna, the Arabian alchemist. I'm surprised that Tom Robbins states Avicenna is Arabian when in fact he is Persian. How was this erratum never discovered and corrected? Does anyone else find this bothersome?
Tamam Avicenna's real name is Abu ‘Ali al-Husayn ibn Sina, this is an arabic name signifying that he is from arab parents or that least he is a muslim. Abu …moreAvicenna's real name is Abu ‘Ali al-Husayn ibn Sina, this is an arabic name signifying that he is from arab parents or that least he is a muslim. Abu Ali-al Husayn Ibn Sina means father of Ali al-Husain son of Sina in arabic. Avicenna is the father of Ali al-Husayn and Avicenna is the Son of Sina. Sina is Avicenna's father's first name. Avicenna is a latinized name, it's not Persian or Arabic. (less)
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Is this the best Tom Robbins book to start with? - I haven't read any of his work yet...
Sydney S Of all of his books, this one is my favorite by a large margin. I don’t know if that would lead me to suggest it first or last, but I would probably s…moreOf all of his books, this one is my favorite by a large margin. I don’t know if that would lead me to suggest it first or last, but I would probably say first. If you read any of his others first and you aren’t hooked by them or interested, you may never read this one, and that would be a tragedy! I think Jitterbug Perfume is by far his best work. I hope that helps!(less)
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