Monika Fagerholm

Monika Kristina Fagerholm (born 26 February 1961 in Helsinki) is a Swedish-speaking Finnish author living in Ekenäs, Finland.

She is the daughter of professor Nils-Erik Fagerholm and library amanuensis Kristina Herrgård. Fagerholm has studied psychology and literature at the University of Helsinki. In 1987, she received her bachelor's degree in psychology and literature.

Fagerholm made her debut in 1987 with Sham but her real breakthrough in the literary scene was in 1994 with Underbara kvinnor vid vatten. (Wonderful women by the water). The novel is set in early 60's, and details the couple Isabella and Kajus, who together with their son Thomas, rent a house by the sea. Suddenly, the arrival of new neighbors changes Isabella's life. The Ängel family has lived in the States, and together with wife Rosa Ängel, Isabella turns into something like Jackie Kennedy.

The novel has been called a generational novel for anyone growing up in the 60's. The book was nominated for the Finlandia Prize, which is the biggest literary prize in Finland. It was also nominated for the August Prize in 1995, in Sweden and also the International Dublin Literary Award in 1998. In 1994, she received the Runeberg Award in Finland. The movie adaptation of the novel by Claes Olsson premiered in 1998. Fagerholm received the August prize in 2005 for Den amerikanska flickan (The American Girl).