Katja Kallio is a critically acclaimed bestselling author and screenwriter. Since her striking debut on the Finnish literature scene in 2000, she has described the life and faith of women at odds with their communities in both the past and the present. She does this with her distinctive voice and thoroughly visual style. Her new, much anticipated novel This Transparent Heart tells the story of forbidden love between a young Finnish woman and a Soviet POW during WW2. Her previous novel, Amanda of the Night, inspired by true events in a mental institution for women on Seili island, was received with unanimous praise.

 

She has written box office movie adaptations of her own novels, and been a candidate for national literary and motion picture awards, including the prestigious Jussi Prize for the best screenplay. An ardent cinema lover, she has written about movies in the iconic Image magazine for more than fifteen years. 

 

Before writing fiction she worked as a publishing editor, and translated prose from Italian, Spanish and English. She hosts her own live literary salon, speaks fluent Italian with a Roman accent, and dedicates her free time to classical ballet.