Nearly 40 years ago, Katarina Taikon began writing about her adolescence as a Rom in Sweden. It resulted in a series of 13 books that became a large success among readers and critics alike. Now, for the first time, Katitzi has been translated into Romani.

- This translation is much longed-for, and I think the book will now be spread to many more countries than before, says Fred Taikon, editor of the cultural magazine E' Romani Glinda.

- Katarina Taikon is an important role model. Now Roma children can finally read the story of Katitzi in their own language, says Domino Kai, secretary at the Delegation for Roma Issues.

The books about Katitzi have previously been translated into French, German, Hungarian, Czech and the Scandinavian languages. Romani, Romanés or Romani chib is spoken by Roma worldwide, and hopes are that this translation will be spread to other countries. In this first book, Katitzi is eight years old and living in an orphanage. One day her father comes to bring her home to the camp where her family awaits her. Everything is new and different.

Katarina Taikon (1932-1995) made her debut in 1963 with the debate book Zigenerska (Gypsy Woman). She published some twenty books and led an active struggle for Roma’s rights. Katitzi has also been filmed.

The book’s translator Hans Caldaras (1948- ) is an artist and author of the autobiographical book I betraktarens ögon (In the eyes of the beholder) (2002). He also works against oppression and racism.

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Title: E Katitzi
Original edition: Katitzi, 1969
Translation into Romani (Kalderash): Hans Caldaras
Illustrations: Björn Hedlund
Author photo: Björn Langhammer
Cover: Moa Edlund and Calle Ljungström
Publication date: June 3rd, 2008
ISBN: 978-91-89196-41-4