This unique collection of translations of Chinese stories explores the manifestations of "self" and the impact of place upon Chinese identity, found both on the mainland and in other Chinese communities such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Though sharing a common cultural heritage, these four communities have different social, political, and economic realities; realities which are reflected in the stories' themes of self, identity, gender, and location. The stories not only demonstrate the diverse creativity of contemporary Chinese authors, they also express the aspirations and fears felt by many who live in places and circumstances where the mass media are controlled by the state and opportunities for open discussion are few and far between.

Translated into English for the first time, the stories in A Place of One's Own demonstrate the exciting experimentation unfolding in the genre of the modern Chinese short story. Individually, the stories stand as important contributions to contemporary Chinese literature in translation; collectively as a comprehensive rendering of the transformation of Chinese society today.