About

Lena Hari lives and writes fiction among the ancient oaks and towering fir trees in Oregon. She’s the mom of two boys, and has worked as an archaeologist and historian most of her life until finally succumbing to the written word. She’s an MFA candidate in fiction at the Rainier Writing Workshop at Pacific Lutheran University graduating class of 2025 and her work has been supported by Hedgebrook.

Lena Hari is a pen name.

Carolina “Lena” Hari was my grandmother. Sadly, she died of breast cancer before I had the opportunity to meet her, but I’m told she was incredibly kind, full of warmth and a dedicated mother. Like many poor, working immigrants in the early 20th century, she had a rough life and raised five children alone doing laundry for neighbors. People remember her smile, her bright blue eyes and talent for baking, especially Hungarian pastries which people would seek out from far away towns. To me, she will always be a role model and someone I cherish. I’ve taken her name in honor of the fighter she was and the person I hope to become.