About the Book

The short stories of Shirley Geok-lin Lim—born in Malacca, Malaysia and now Professor of English and Women’s Studies at the University of California—reflect the complex mosaic of her world. From the rich Peranakan tradition of her childhood to the harsh perplexity of American life in adulthood, her writing bristles with violence, dislocation and psychic dismemberment. This collection brings you Lim’s most memorable stories, along with her most recent work—written over four decades—from the tumultuous 1960s all through to our present day.

“Lim has too much raw energy
and even brutal power
to be confined by her craft.”

— The Straits Times (Singapore)

About the Author

Shirley Geok-lin Lim is an acclaimed poet, novelist and critic who in 1969 immigrated to the United States from Malaysia and in 1973 earned her Ph.D. in English and American literature from Brandeis University. Her works include her first book of poetry, Crossing the Peninsula and other Poems (1980), which was awarded the Commonwealth Poetry Prize, and her memoir, Among the White Moon Faces, which won the American Book Award, three other novels and numerous poetry and short story collections. Besides these, Lim has also penned critical studies and edited/co-edited various specialty journals.

An award-winning professor, Lim has taught both in prestigious universities in the United States, Asia and abroad, and is currently professor of English at the University of California.