Outhine Bounyavong is one of the most prominent contemporary writers in Laos. His stories are animated with Laotian virtues of simplicity, compassion, respect for age, and other village mores; they breathe with a gentleness that is fresh and distinctive. Outhine is interested in his own memories, in how to behave with compassion, and in the chain of life among men and women that reaches into the earth. This book presents fourteen of Outhine Bounyavong's short stories in English translation alongside the Lao originals.

Contemporary Lao literature -- Mother's beloved -- Sacrifice -- What a beauty! -- A seat in the grandstand -- Fifty kip -- Wrapped-ash delight -- Father's friend -- The eternal pair of birds -- Death price -- Frangipani -- A voice from the plain of jars -- Dic and Daeng -- Longing.