In La Cheffe, roman d'une cuisiniere (The Chef, Story of a Cook), French novelist and playwright Marie NDiaye, 51, portrays a woman's rise to the peak of culinary art by hard work, dedication and talent. The story is narrated from the perspective of the heroine's assistant chef, a man.

The judging panel for the award, which consists of translators, scholars and publishing editors, considers new foreign novels each year based on merits, including literary value, social impact and significance to humanity, according to Xiao Liyuan, deputy chief editor of People's Literature Publishing house and a member of the judging panel.

"Chinese readers prefer foreign novels about love, death and war," says Xiao.