Feb 12 (DPA) Swedish writer Marianne Fredriksson has died at age 79,reported Swedish broadcaster SR. The former journalist, who died late Sunday, achieved international best-seller status with her novels in the 1980s and 1990s.

Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, she would have celebrated her 80th birthday next month. Fredriksson s 11 novels from 1980 to 2003,all translated in English and German, often told stories of women. Her first novel was "The Book of Eve" in 1980.

Later works included 1994 s "Hanna s Daughters", and two 1999 novels, "According To Mary Magdalene" and "Inge and Mira". Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt called her a "beloved author" with an international readership.