Katarina Taikon (1932–1995)

The first part in Katarina "Katitzi" Taikon's semi-autobiographical series about a young Romani girl's youth in 1940's Sweden. We are introduced to Katitzi's gypsy family as she is returned to them from an orphanage and we learn about the Romani life as well as the prejudice against the Romani people at the same time as Katitzi does. Because she is so young - about nine - her character can tell us about events in an innocent voice which makes an older reader understand far more about what's really going on, since the young voice can openly point out political and social flaws. The book is written for children - to promote cross-cultural understanding - but is equally apt for adults as it reveals, as Johan Taikon says, "the prejudices of educated people."… (mer)

The second part in Katarina "Katitzi" Taikon's semi-autobiographical series about a young Romani girl's youth in 1940's Sweden. The persecution of gypsies (and Jews) causes some worry for Katitzi's father, Johan, since he is not a Swedish citizen and is terrified that he and the rest of the family will be deported to Germany. We also get further insight into Romani culture with the wedding ceremony between Katitzi's sister, Rosa, and her cousin, Milo. The book is written for children - to promote cross-cultural understanding - but should be read by everyone, regardless of age. The descriptions of day-to-day life in Sweden may be dated, but the day-to-day prejudices remain in many ways.… (mer)

The third part in Katarina "Katitzi" Taikon's semi-autobiographical series about a young Romani girl's youth in 1940's Sweden. The war is raging in Europe and the gypsies in Sweden are split up, in case Sweden in invaded or joins the war on the German side and has to send their gypsies and Jews to the gas chambers. Juxtaposed with the fear of war that permeates the adults' thoughts, is Katitzi, precocious and outspoken as ever, questioning all wrongs in society, whether her fearlessness brings trouble for herself or her family. The story of how the Taikon family traveled from Hungary to Sweden is the most interesting part of this installment, but again, this sad tale is juxtaposed with Katitzi's daydreams about becoming a famous performer, which in turn are fueled by her stepmother's abuse. It may be a book written for children to battle prejudice and promote cultural understanding, but everyone should read it, regardless of age.… (mer)