Maj Degerstedt presents her book Childhood was like a ruminating cow.

"With the stories in this book, I want to honor all the women who lacked fancy titles but accomplished great deeds in silence - most of all Gustavorna, grandmother, grandmother and mother."

Maj Degerstedt grew up in Avaliden outside Norsjö and after a life as a bank clerk, farmer and foster parent has retired to a life as a writer and pensioner. In 2013 she won first prize in the short story competition Liv i Västerbotten. Maj is also a former winner of the Berättarkraft grant.