What do you already know about Estonia? Do you know, for example, that it’s made up of 2,222 islands? Or that it was the first country to hold elections over the internet?
On the 24 February 2018, Estonia celebrated 100 years of independence. To celebrate their centenary year, and as part of the cultural exchange during The London Book Fair Market Focus, Estonia are hosting a series of events over the course of the year. They’re the perfect chance to get to know more about this fascinating country. Here are some of our favourites…
Re-writing Europe: Rein Raud in conversation with David Szalay @ Daunt Books, Hampstead
Tue 10 April, 6:30pm – 7:30pm, £5
The critically-acclaimed Estonian writer Rein Raud (The Death of the Perfect Sentence) will be in conversation with Man Booker Prize Shortlistee 2016 David Szalay (All That Man Is), for an evening discussing important questions such as how literature shapes European society and whether fiction can truly build bridges between countries. It’s bound to be a highly-interesting and thought-provoking event!
Baltic View: Film Event – ‘November’ with Q&A @ The Regent Street Theatre
Thu 12 April, 7:00pm – 9:30pm, £7 – £12
When did you last see an Estonian film?
‘November’ is based on Andrus Kivirähk’s novel Rehepappehk November (Old Barny a.k.a. November) and centres around a pagan Estonian village and a young farm girl, Liina, who is in love with village boy Hans. Directed by Rainer Sarnet, this film has already won multiple awards at film festivals across the globe. Come along to the UK premiere!
Writing from the edge of Europe: what’s the future for Baltic literature? @ Calvert 22
Thursday 12 April, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, pay what you wish (suggested admission fee £5)
The Baltic countries are often misunderstood as either Nordic neighbours, former Soviet states, or “the East”. How can they build their own identity moving forward? This is the central question to this event chaired by Nadia Beard, with Estonian author Andrei Ivanov and UK writer and translator Erica Lastovskyte. Looking at the past, present, and future, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about Baltic literature.