Finnish-Kosovar writer

Pajtim Statovci (*1990) is a renowned Finnish-Kosovar writer who is one of the most prominent voices in contemporary European literature. His works often deal with themes of identity, exile, sexuality, and family relationships.

He was born in Kosovo to Albanian parents. At the age of two, he fled with his family to Finland to escape the war in Yugoslavia. He studied literature at the University of Helsinki and screenwriting at Aalto University.

In his works, Pajtim Statovci often addresses themes of identity, exile, sexuality, and family relationships.

His works have been translated into more than 20 languages. His novel Crossing was a finalist for the 2019 National Book Award in the United States.

He is the recipient of the prestigious Finlandia Prize, which he won in 2019 for his novel Bolla and again in November 2024 for his novel Lehmä synnyttää yöllä (Cow Gives Birth at Night). He became the youngest winner in the history of the award.

Most notable works:

·My Cat Yugoslavia (Kissani Jugoslavia, 2014) – a debut novel about a young Muslim living in Finland, which won the award for best debut of the year.

·Crossing (Tiranan sydän / Crossing, 2016) – a story about the search for identity and escape from Albania after the fall of communism.

·Bolla (2019) – a tragic love story between two men set during the war in Kosovo.

·The Cow Gives Birth at Night (Lehmä synnyttää yöllä, 2024) – his latest novel, which won second prize in the Finlandia Awards.