Love's possibilities unwrapped in French novel

David Foenkinos' novel La Delicatesse is adapted into a film of the same title, starring French actress Audrey Tautou in the lead role.

Then comes Marcus, a clumsy and unassuming Swede, who is never going to be her Mr Right in the eyes of Natalie's colleagues. Out of nowhere, Natalie kisses the "physically unpleasant" co-worker to even her surprise.

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Like a seed of love, the delicate kiss gradually bears fruit, and at the end of the story, Natalie is set free from grief.

Foenkinos says that in this book he wants to tell people that no matter what happens, we need to retain the ability to enjoy every delicate moment of love.

Delicacy also means being able to listen to others wholeheartedly, to pay attention to others' feelings and to act gently and delicately toward others, Foenkinos says.

"It might be difficult to act delicately in China as it has so many people," Foenkinos says. "However, during my stay in China, I feel love, kindness and respect. I think China is a place where delicate feelings still remain.

"To many French people, Chinese women are both delicate and gentle. Maybe I shall write a story about a Chinese Natalie," Foenkinos says, joking.

The book was translated by professor Wang Dongliang and his student Lyu Ruyu at the French department of Peking University. La Delicatesse is Foenkinos' first book translated to Chinese.

"Although I couldn't understand it, I'll bet it is very well-translated," says Foenkinos. "And I like the design of the cover. It expresses the very essence of the word 'delicacy'."

Foenkinos believes that every novelist should have his own way of storytelling. He sneaks in many interesting facts as he tells this lighthearted love story, such as lines from a Woody Allen film, lyrics from Alain Souchon's songs and even ingredients for asparagus-and-rice casserole.

"This is a story for men, so they can imagine how it would feel when suddenly kissed by a beautiful girl, while it is also a story for women so that they can imagine meeting a man who understands her the most."