Candidates must figure on the short-list at least two years running to win,

I think he is unassailable from a literary point of view, ... On the other hand, there may be some people who think he's too established.

If this was not so, then we would not have been ready.

I think it is safe to say that 'Soul Mountain' is one of the most remarkable creations of modern literature, not only in Chinese.

ranks higher and is remembered longer.

We have a very strict discipline now. No documents leave the building and the (Academy) members are not allowed to discuss the choice by email or with members of their family. So far this year, I have not seen any sign that there is a leak,