Love's possibilities unwrapped in French novel

French author David Foenkinos is on his first book tour to China for the release of the Chinese edition of his best-selling novel La Delicatesse.[Photo by Laurie Dieffembacq/Agencies]

As Chinese Valentine's Day approaches, a French author and filmmaker brings his tale of the possibilities of love to China's readers, Xing Yi reports.

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New kids section at Beijing Book Building

What could an unexpected kiss lead to? French novelist David Foenkinos depicts the most romantic outcome in his book La Delicatesse (Delicacy).

The Chinese translation of the novel has just been released a few days ahead of Chinese Valentine's Day, which falls on Saturday.

La Delicatesse is Foenkinos' eighth novel, which was nominated for Le Prix Goncourt, one of the French top literature awards. It has sold more than 1 million copies since it was first published in 2009.

Later Foenkinos adapted it into a film of the same name, with Audrey Tautou as the leading actress, which enjoyed great success in 2011.

The novel has been translated into more than 40 languages. "I cannot wait to see its Chinese version," the 39-year-old author says on his first book tour to China, organized by the publisher Shanghai Yiwen Press in Beijing.

La Delicatesse is the story of Natalie, a Helen of Troy figure, who first experiences a perfect love with a tragic ending and later an offbeat one which heals her broken soul.

Both romantic relationships start with some delicate feeling.

In the first encounter, Natalie's future husband Francois falls in love with her because of a cup of apricot juice she ordered. But after his unexpected death, Natalie buries herself in sorrow and retreats into her job.