Literature
In 1968, Veijo Baltzar became the first Finnish author of Roma origin and remains today among the most prominent Roma authors in the world. His bibliography includes 7 novels, an anthology, a nonfiction book and a children's book. His books have been translated into English, Swedish, Croatian and Slovak.
Scroll down for a bibliography!
In Love and War
Sodassa ja rakkaudessa, Tammi Publishers 2008 (Croatian translation U ratu i ljubavi, Sandorf 2019)
“The crazy love that Kastalo has for the Gipsy princess Carinja belongs without a doubt amongst the greatest love stories. With few dramaturgical moves it could be turned into a successful Hollywood-movie manuscript.”
Hannu Waarala, Savon Sanomat 2008
“Baltzar's tale has got a strong core, it is entertaining in a movie-like way.”
Pekka Jaatinen, Kaleva 2008
“Veijo Baltzar has written his most important work so far and at the same time one of the most interesting Finnish books of this year.”
Hannu Niklander, Kaltio
“In Love and War brings forth the most forgotten genocide in Europe. Out of the most disadvantaged and deprived nation, the Roma, the machinery of Nazi eugenics succeeded in destroying almost half of the population. Within these dimensions Baltzar is pointing to an uttermost important direction.”
Veli-Pekka Leppänen, Helsingin Sanomat
In Love and War
Sodassa ja rakkaudessa, Tammi Publishers 2008 (Croatian translation U ratu i ljubavi, Sandorf 2019)
In Love and War is a story about the Roma in Germany during the Second World War. Like the Jews, the Roma had the same faith in the Holocaust. Only few survived from the concentration camps or escaped the persecution.
Main characters of the novel are the people in the tribe of Dromal, his daughter Carinja and Kastalo, an orphan pickpocket raised by streets. The poor and rootless Kastalo is not a good enough fiancé for the Gypsy princess Carinja. Emotions burn like fire beneath the surface and love is tested again and again when the lovers flee from the tribe and are sent to concentration camp.
When the mighty Dromal fades, young Kastalo rises as a leader in the tribe. The man is trusted and appreciated. When the war comes to an end and the Allies arrive to Germany, the tribe of Dromal is just a memory of itself. Carinja’s love towards Kastalo is evident but can it ever be approved?
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Original Finnish version
Croatian translation, 2019
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Phuro
Tammi Publishers 2000 (Slovak translation Krvna pomsta, Trio publishing 2019)
“Baltzar has succeeded in capturing in this book something universal for the Gypsies. He has packed in one book the incredible feeling, the deepest essence of Gypsy culture which is very hard for a non-Gypsy to experience. --. All the soulfulness and temperament is so strongly present in the book that its feeling does not freeze on its pages but it rises up in the air almost as sprinkles of gold.”
Anette Åkerlund, Keski-Uusimaa
“The story of Phuro has not been tied to any historical time or place. This gives the book a fairytale like, almost lyrical mood. --. The best and most interesting part of Phuro is the vivid description of the modern nomads.”
Sanna Kajander-Ruuth, Ilta-Sanomat
“Best qualities in the novel are its visual style, rhythm and the characters' poignant style of speaking.”
Irja Sinivaara, Kymen Sanomat
Phuro
Tammi Publishers 2000 (Slovak translation Krvna pomsta, Trio publishing 2019)
Phuro is an extensive epic novel about the Roma, which tells a tale of the community through that of the relatives. The story of two families in post-war Europe is built around the theme of forbidden love and blood-revenge, which drives close relatives against one another. The story takes place in a city by the sea, which is ruled by the aged Roma patriot Mofal and his brother Marfalo. The Roma have lived through the Second World War and persecution, and still remember what happened in the gas chambers.
By means of its wide gallery of characters, the novel introduces the whole spectrum of Roma culture with its multiple levels and hierarchies. Phuro concentrates in describing the process of change that takes place when new and old culture meet. When the relationship to one’s own tradition falls apart, greediness and envy take over. Phuro is a mighty family saga, which draws a powerful picture of the life of modern nomads.
Slovak translation 2008
Original Finnish version
The Black Tango
Musta tango, Tammi Publishers 1990
"The Black Tango tells the story of assimilation, cultures melting into the majority, a depiction of the early stages of urban life style, disappearance of the individual identities within the tribe. The rules, laws and rituals are still being applied, however, they have become as incomprehensible as Latin used by ancient monks or the regulations of the church. Through the texts of Baltzar the vitality of living culture and similarly, the fruitful contradictions and confrontations, when two cultures are melting into one, present themselves.”
Matti Kanervala, Varkauden lehti, 1990
“Baltzar is fierce, yet not vulgar. He does not express the ugly word as it is. The novel is characterized by the richness of its dialogue, talkativeness, on the basis of which one can sense anxiety, fear and restlessness. Such state, in which one finds it difficult, if not completely impossible to form a genuine and lasting relationship, where the other is not being abused. Baltzar is at his best when depicting this practice of exploitation, “the boss and the subordinate”, without commercial register and book keeping. It is black business that survives in the concrete jungle of the streets: such jungle, in which one will evidently end up colliding with the society.”
Esko Palviainen, Lieksan lehti 25.1.1991
The Black Tango
Musta tango, Tammi Publishers 1990
Elias does not belong to the upper class, nor the middle. His life takes place on the lowest ladders of the society. He has spent his time in foster homes in the countryside and finally, the young man has arrived to the big city, Helsinki.
Elias sells clocks in the railway station under his gipsy cousin Feija’s watching eye. Feija is his superior in every way. Feija does not only know the shady business of the streets but he has Lissu, a high-society girl from a white family. Suddenly Lissu falls in love with Elias and their journey begins. The novel was published in 1990. It is based on things “seen and experienced”.
“The novel has its own appeal, a dream-like touch that keeps one hungry. The Black Tango is like mysterious, anguished song that in distinct sequences will evolve into penetrating truth. A dichotomy between so called proper people, the majority, and under-culture form the spine of the novel, and Baltzar in his own way brings forth this ever on-going aching conflict.”
Marita Pere, Länsi-Suomi 23.9.1990
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The Snake Trial Stone
Käärmeenkäräjäkivi, Tammi Publishers 1988
"The way that Baltzar approaches his topic does not relate to any other Finnish author. As closest examples, one may think of Erskine Caldwell and John Steinbeck. It all comes down to bringing forth the underlying current. The inner biological self of man is bare, unprotected; the fight over prestige and authority is bold, cunning and aware at the same time. The battle and fight is accepted, plotting, attacking and evasion are frank."
Erkki Kiviniemi, Uusi-Suomi 26.10.1988
“Baltzar is truly unique author in Finland. Similar capacity to strip down human being, and depicting primeval biological forces, has not been demonstrated by anyone. In the hands of Baltzar, the family members fight over power arrogantly and consciously.The battle, bullying and humiliation are approved of and all is being labelled by topical gesticulation, movements and glances that are long forgotten in the fights of the majority; they have been buried under so called ‘cultivation’. In all its mystery, The Snake Trial Stone is one of the most fascinating books of this season.”
Marita Pere, Länsi-Suomi 30.10.1988
The Snake Trial Stone
Käärmeenkäräjäkivi, Tammi Publishers 1988
A mysterious stone has appeared on the floor of a cottage. A green, moist stone. No one knows where it had come from. No one knows who had brought it. Is it a sign?
The family does not know that the stone will change the life for them all. No one will be the same. Not Karlo or Manu, not Johanna or Sigrid, not Alalaita or the beautiful Saara. Not even the silent Hemmi.
“Baltzar has created a frontier novel for the Roma."
Jorma Heinonen, Keski-Suomalainen 10.11.1988
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The Crystal Ball of Black Sarah
Tammi Publishers Children's Book 1978
Black Sarah is a two-hundred-year old Gypsy who travels the world with a horse named Hump and a magpie named Tsirikli. Sarah makes her living by telling fortunes.
The book's illustration was one of the first works of the internationally renowned artist Johanna Ehrnrooth.
Mari
Tammi Publishers 1972
“Baltzar represents those few courageous Finnish male authors, who have dared to depict the soul of a woman. The novel itself keeps in romanticism: robbing of bride, family feuds and fierce love. The question itself is topical, and Baltzar knows how to ´keep in the present day; there are a few guarantees.”
Turun Sanomat 26.5.1973
“The novel is bold, revealing and on many parts, harrowing. Its message can be broadened to a general call on behalf of a woman, as an attempt to help woman in the position that the rule of men have led her. As a member of the tribe I consider Baltzar ́s work as meritious depiction of our nation.”
Viljo Koivisto, Romano Boodos, 6/1973
Mari
Tammi Publishers 1972
Mari is a powerful ballade about a young Gipsy woman and of the Roma, wandering in the Finnish countryside in Northern-Savo region. Placed around the mid-21st century, Mari is a story about the ways and lifestyle of the wandering Gypsies. The novel cuts into women and their position inside the tribe.
“Veijo Baltzar deserves a big thank you for putting his soul into the role of a gipsy woman. He must have discussed this over with some intelligent woman? Perhaps it has been his mother? Thank you for her as well."
Päivi Karjalainen, Kotimaa 6.6.1973
The Blood Betrothal
Tammi Publishers 1969
"I wonder, if anyone has bothered to count, how many tangos (mostly poor ones) there have been fabricated about the Roma? The engagement of Blood by Veijo Baltzar is also a song. It is old as the roads, ancient as the wandering tribe. The tale has been told and told again by the camp fires, in the shadows of the marquees, in the clatter of the wagons. And what is attractive about it: it is genuine, an adjective that cannot be used whilst the tango singers groan and moan in the microphone. Baltzar has the ability to give birth to a spirit. He is divine narrator, and most importantly - he knows, what he speaks of. For it is rare that Roma has written a book, Veijo Baltzar is constantly declared as a 'Roma author'. This kind of viewpoint could slowly fade away. Veijo Baltzar is simply an author. And a good one.”
Salon Seudun Sanomat 14.1.1970
“The unwritten, but ever more rigorous laws, ancient ritual-like codes of behaviour and culture of customs all become clear when the reader immerses one-self in the novel. Baltzar does not attempt to turn the everyday wandering and battle of the Roma into a romantic adventure. He points out hunger, misery, homelessness and racial discrimination of his tribe.”
Sointu Miettinen, Vaasa 25.1.1970
Blood Betrothal
Tammi Publishers 1969
The Engagement of Blood, published in 1969, is a story about hatred, the vendetta between two families, the execution of which becomes the meaning of life and a burden for the protagonist of the novel. It is a story of a man with a dead heart. He could not and did not want to love. When he learned, it was too late.
The Engagement of Blood is also a story of revenge and destruction. About the destiny that is stronger than a man.
“It would be reasonable to describe the novel as “social”, as it speaks of the wandering lifestyle of the Roma, the reasons behind it, racial prejudices and employment policies. It provokes thinking beyond the common everyday phrases, so easily tossed in the air, when it comes to the conflict between these two groups of people. For a white man, Baltzar ́s tongue seems slightly strange and foreign at first. Apparently it contains a fare portion of the own language, temperament and spirit of the Roma. This fact, however, does not bother an open-minded reader for long.”
Ulla Helwe, Keskisuomalainen 10.1.1970
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The Burning Road
Tammi Publishers 1968
“The timeless quality of Baltzar ́s work is as well as his inherited knowledge of rites and rituals are peerless virtues for our firstborn author. 'The Burning Road' is the most promising comings of our recent history.”
Leo Lindsten, Kansan Uutiset, 8.12.1968
“The Burning Road” by Veijo Baltzar belongs to the most interesting novelties of the latest season. Already the fact that the writer of the novel is a Roma, “gipsy”, makes it worth reading. A book about Finnish “apartheid” is most welcome. One can only wish that it will find its way into most book shells, as the work is a thorn in the flesh of every white man.”
Kotiseutu-Uutiset 14.2.1969
“One cannot hope for anything more for Baltzar than diligence and patience - and thousands of readers.”
Arto Seppänen, Aamulehti 25.1.1969
The Burning Road
Tammi Publishers 1968
Baltzar’s first novel The Burning Road, (Polttava tie 1968, Brännande väg 1969) was a sensation. It was the first book ever that was written about the Roma and their culture, as seen through the eyes of a Roma in Finland. The novel was also published in Sweden. The Burning Road is a novel about travelling, traditions and confrontations with conditions of Roma in Finland, enlightening the harsh the majority. It tells about the faith of travelling life style in a cold Nordic country.
“When somebody is faced with such a demanding task as carrying the title of “the first Roma author of Finland”, it is evident that his works will have more weight and value than what is usual. Veijo Baltzar has now become the opportunity for the wandering tribe to express and speak up for themselves and convey their inner world.For Veijo Baltzar and our literature “The Burning Road” signifies a conquest, which may have far reaching impacts in our society.”
Matti Paavilainen, Helsingin Sanomat
Nonfiction:
Towards Experiential Philosophy
Kokemuspohjainen filosofia, ntamo 2012 (English translation 2014)
“This may revolutionize the basis of our notions of culture. (...) Intercultural Experiential Education is the hands of Baltzar a strong conceptual-theoretical instrument, which he handles brilliantly. One of Baltzar’s significant merits is in my opinion his bold and strict but constructive criticism of the mainstream culture. He criticizes the overreactions of the market society and shrivelling of the values.”
Juha Sihvola, Professor of Philosophy
”In his book, Baltzar challenges the Western liberal concept of human rights and multiculturalism by pointing to its narrowmindedness. When we promote human rights without empathy and respect to others, we actually may make things even worse than they were before. One of the things which can be brought about and provoked by the lack of empathy and respect, is the inferiority complex. In the perspective of international politics we have many examples of an inferiority complex turned into aggressive, dangerous behaviour and a threat to the mankind. If we really want to eradicate this evil we have to be aware of the social conditions in which this evil came into being. In this respect Baltzar’s notions are valuable and important."
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic Petr Drulák
Nonfiction:
Towards Experiential Philosophy
Kokemuspohjainen filosofia, ntamo 2012 (English translation 2014)
Cultural Counsellor Veijo Baltzar has actively developed Intercultural Experiential Education since 1974. This is a cultural and pedagogical innovation, a concept and philosophy, which is based on Baltzar’s own cultural background, experiences, activities and pedagogical thinking. Baltzar seeks to offer European society tools for constructing functioning pluralism and for halting the increasing marginalization of young people. The book introduces Baltzar’s pedagogical thinking and its main ideas, providing tools and basic concepts for renovation of European societies.
Towards Experiential Philosophy is a translation into English by Jűri Kokkonen of Veijo Baltzar’s Kokemuspohjainen filosofia (ntamo 2012). The translation of this work was supported by a grant from FILI – Finnish Literary Exchange.
"This is a unique project both nationally and internationally and it deserves broad attention and support.”
Sami Pihlström, Director, University of Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies
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Poetry Collection:
The Seven String Guitar
Seitsemän kielen kitara, ntamo 2014
Poems 1968-2014
Still I want to recall,
still I want to drown in the garden of your hair.
Like silently falling waters,
like a scarlet river streaming,
a red garden.
You've tied ribbons in your locks,
strings and tufts in your tresses,
in the garden of your hair.
Still I want to remember,
still I yearn to touch,
your black curls,
the scarlet garden.
But life flowed away,
in hues red as blood,
down the flower garden of your curls.
You laughed with me,
and shared your few coins,
you bought a play,
and musicians, too.
Poetry Collection:
The Seven String Guitar
Seitsemän kielen kitara, ntamo 2014
Poems 1968-2014
Veijo Baltzar has written poems all his life. In 2014 was published the first anthology of his poems.
The Gipsy tradition is evidently present in Baltzar's poetry. Strong and vivd, bitter and wistful, yearning for dignity and value, and taking it self-consciously. (Leevi Lehto, 2014).
Cover painting by artist Dimitri Baltzar
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