Veijo Baltzar (b. 1942) is Finland's only Gypsy writer. With his eight novels, he has shed light on the world of the hidden culture of his tribe. A strong Gypsy identity and roots in his own culture combined with in-depth familiarity with the culture of the majority population have provided Baltzar with critical viewpoints on both worlds. His debut novel Polttava tie (Scorching road) appeared in 1968 and has also been published in Swedish. Last autumn saw the publication of a magnificient family saga by Baltzar called Phuro (2000). He has also written plays, dramatised poems and film scripts. He has won awards on two occasions (1999 and 2000) at the international Amico Rom review of Gypsy art in Lanciano, Italy.

Photo: Otava