Maija Kajanto (b. 1978) is a Finnish writer. Her debut novel, Mittoja ja tilaustöita (Measurements and Commissions), a sharp-eyed portrayal of modern-day busyness, was published in 2019. Since then, Kajanto has produced works in what seems like an unending stream, with ten titles across three series to date. This creative abundance has also made its way successfully onto the Estonian book market – in 2025 alone, no fewer than four of her books appeared in Estonian. Particular mention should be made of the Kahvila Koivu series (also known as the Krisse series). The first instalment, Cinnamon Bun Summer (Korvapuustikesä), published in 2022, begins with a turning point in the life of the series’ heroine Kristina Kivimaa, who leaves behind her fast-paced restaurant life to move to a village in central Finland, where her grandmother awaits – along with the many possibilities and shadows of youth. The most recent Estonian translation is the fourth instalment, Lemon Spring (Sitruunakevät), originally published in 2024. In this story, Kajanto blends her characteristic humour and warmth with more sombre tones, as Krisse faces several trials and losses. Kajanto’s books thus offer both entertainment and emotional sustenance.
Maija Kajanto
