Writer, translator, journalist Janez Kajzer dies at 88

Slovenian literary figure Janez Kajzer, who made significant contributions as a writer, translator, journalist, and editor, has passed away at the age of 88.

Born in Vižmarje in 1938, Kajzer's early life and education in Šentvid pri Ljubljani laid the groundwork for his diverse career. He began his professional journey as a journalist for the magazine Mladina before moving into editorial roles at Borec publishing house and Prešernova družba. From 1989 to 1993, he helmed the magazine Srce in oko. Following his departure from Prešernova družba, Kajzer pursued a career as an independent writer.

Kajzer displayed a creative inclination from a young age, publishing a humor magazine at fourteen and participating in literary circles during his high school years. His debut book, the collection of short stories "Mimo dnevnega načrta" (1960), was met with critical acclaim, offering readers a fresh perspective on the lives of young people and drawing heavily from his own experiences. Throughout his career, he penned numerous articles for various publications, including Delo, serving as a regular journalist, editor, or occasional correspondent.

His literary output includes well-regarded works such as "Klub v črnem" (1964), "Macesen: Roman o Ivanu Groharju" (1978), "Prava moška družba" (1979), "Štirje srčni možje" (1980), "S tramovi podprto mesto" (1983), "Obljubljeni kraj" (1984), "Samorastnik izpod Blegoša" (1998), "Sanjska hiša" (2004), "Skrivno oko" (2005), and "Perpetuum mobile" (2007). He also served as the editor for the collection "Pričevanje," which documented the lives of Slovenes in Austrian Styria and Istria during the latter half of the 19th century.