Nov. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Marie NDiaye won France’s most prestigious literary award, the 106-year-old Prix Goncourt for “Trois Femmes Puissantes,” a novel about three African women who struggle to maintain their dignity against all odds.

The winner -- who gets a check for a symbolic 10 euros ($15) and an almost certain boost in sales -- was announced to a crowd of journalists hovering outside Paris restaurant Drouant, where the 10-member Academie Goncourt jury meets once a month.

To contact the reporter on the story: James Pressley in Brussels at jpressley@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: November 2, 2009 06:46 EST