本书作者以"不做传奇"的立场，严谨地以文献为依据，对张爱玲生平及其作品做了全面深入的叙论。全书按张爱玲的生活轨迹分为上（1921-1943）、中（1943-1945）、下（1945-1995）三编。特点是以深刻细致的分析和评论见长，能够将张爱玲的作品与其经历、思想、情感等结合打通，处处传达出由文见人的洞见，寻觅出了张爱玲及其作品之间的深切关联。文笔清雅，不枝不蔓，既无学究气也避开了多愁善感的矫情气，甚至被读者认为是张爱玲式的文字。(From the standpoint of "not to be a legend", the author of the book makes thorough description and discussion of lifetime and works of Eileen Chang based on literatures. The book is divided into three parts based on the life path of Eileen Chang: Part I (1921-1943), Part II (1943-1945) and Part III (1945-1995). Characterized by profound and detailed analysis and comment, the book is able to combine Eileen's works with her experience, thoughts and emotion, presents the insight on every detail that a person can be known through her or his works", and finds the close relationship between Eileen Chang and her works. With refined writing style and without any extraneous detail, the book avoids the academic way and sentimental affection so much so that it is considered to be a work of Eileen Chang's style.)