WANDERLIST: Estonia in books and on film

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  • “Tangerines” (2013): This Estonian-Georgian film is set during the 1992 War in Abkhazia. It tells the story of an Estonian man who stays behind amidst the conflict and takes care of wounded soldiers from both sides.
  • “The Fencer” (2015): Set in the 1950s, this drama film follows the life of an Estonian fencer, Endel Nelis, who becomes a physical education teacher in a small town. As he starts a sports club, his past catches up with him.
  • “November” (2017): Directed by Rainer Sarnet, this dark fantasy film is set in 19th-century rural Estonia. It depicts a story involving werewolves, plagues, and unrequited love.
  • “Truth and Justice” (2019): This historical drama film, based on a popular Estonian novel, spans over several decades. It explores the hardships of an Estonian farmer challenging the landowner and his relentless pursuit of justice.
  • “The Dissidents” (2017): This comedy film follows three Estonian guys who decide to make a daring escape and travel to Finland to attend a huge music festival. Their adventure is full of hilarious mishaps and unexpected encounters.
  • These are just a few examples of movies set in Estonia. Each one offers a perspective on the country’s history, culture, and people.
  • Estonia has a rich literary tradition, and here are five famous novels set in Estonia:
  • “Truth and Justice” by Anton Hansen Tammsaare: This is a classic Estonian novel, which is actually a pentalogy, chronicling the life of an Estonian peasant during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The series is considered a literary masterpiece and provides a vivid portrayal of Estonian society and its historical transformation.
  • “The Man Who Spoke Snakish” by Andrus Kivirähk: This highly acclaimed novel is set in rural Estonia and combines elements of magical realism with historical fiction. It tells the story of a young boy who discovers a secret language spoken by snakes. The book explores themes of identity, tradition, and the impact of modernization.
  • “The Ropemaker” by Jaan Kross: Set in 17th-century Tallinn, the novel follows the life of a young man named Jakob, who becomes entangled in political and social unrest during the Swedish occupation of Estonia. Through Jakob’s story, the book delves into the complexities of power, loyalty, and personal struggle.
  • “Purge” by Sofi Oksanen: Although largely set in Finland, this internationally acclaimed novel by Finnish-Estonian author Sofi Oksanen tackles the historical and contemporary experiences of Estonians during Soviet and Nazi occupations. It explores the traumas of the time and their long-lasting impact on Estonian society.
  • “The War of the Foxes” by Estonian author Richard Adang: This novel is set in a fictional small town in Estonia during the turbulent period of World War II. It follows the lives of several characters and their experiences as they navigate the harsh realities of wartime, including themes of survival, resistance, and love
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