Arja Kajermo

Arja Kajermo was born in Finland but raised in Sweden. She moved to Ireland in the 1970s, where she currently resides. She is a highly-acclaimed cartoonist and has contributed to publications including the Sunday Press, the Irish Times and Image magazine. Her debut novel The Iron Age was developed from her Davy Byrnes Award-shortlisted short story.

In post-war Finland, the Girl is growing up on a farm, where she is constantly learning of fables and stories. But when her family moves to Sweden, the mute and observant girl faces a new life of unknowns. The Iron Age paints a detailed picture of her family: a violent father, a resilient mother and her practical and inventive brothers.

Kajermo’s debut novel is a darkly humorous coming of age story which skilfully interweaves folklore and reality, rurality and urbanity and is supported by illustrations that enhance the description of the Girl’s life.