On Saturday, November 8, VEMU hosted its second book fair, “Rahvas algab raamatust” (“A Nation Begins With a Book”) at Tartu College. The event opened with a live video link to Tartu’s Town Hall Square, where Estonia was marking an important anniversary: on November 8, 1525, the first known mention of printed texts in Estonian, Latvian, and Livonian appeared in Lübeck cathedral dean Johannes Brandes’ records. To celebrate this milestone, a new literary collection “Eesti raamatu lood” (“Estonian Book Stories”) was premiered, featuring works by Leelo Tungal, Urmas Vadi, Meelis Friedenthal, Indrek Hargla, and Kristiina Ehin.
Speaking from the Tartu square shrouded in evening darkness was Mart Jagomägi—vice chair of Estonia’s Book Year committee— highlighted major exhibitions, including a display at Niguliste Church featuring rare relics such as fragments of the 1535 catechism, the oldest surviving printed Estonian text. He also encouraged Toronto participants to contribute to the travelling Book Year tapestry, a copy of which was being embroidered at the fair in Toronto.
The fair then turned to books themselves— and to the so-called “bookworms.” Many titles were free or low-cost, and participants shared lively reading recommendations. Estonian language and culture lecturer Kadri Tüür from the University of Toronto spoke about her favourite archival finds at VEMU, while Piret Noorhani introduced Japanese literature available in Estonian, including works by Haruki Murakami.
VEMU volunteer and historian Anna Herran presented Lenna Kuurmaa’s “Elu ilmaveerel,” (“Life in the World”) a story set in Setomaa about Lenna’s family moving there from Tallinn, reading her review in Estonian—an impressive feat for a non-native speaker.
The VEMU Writers’ Club, led by Anne Remmel, shared excerpts from members’ memoirs and childhood stories, while members of the Bibliography Club, the 40th anniversary of which was also celebrated at the fair, presented poetry by well-known Estonian authors in the tradition of previous Bibliography Club anniversary readings.
For the past five years, the Bibliography Club has been led by Asta Lokk. VEMU archivist Piret Noorhani presented the club with a letter of recognition for their work in preserving Estonian historical heritage. Following that, Asta thanked long-time club members: including Pat Burchell (25 years, husband of the late Vello Soots) and Milvi and Vello Silm (20 years), Epp Aruja, and Inge (Kōhelik) Lane (?).
This year’s VEMU translation competition winner, Talvi Maimets, read her English translation of a passage from Martin Algus’ short story “Põgenikud.” (“Refugees”) Vaike Rannu also introduced her newly published family memoir, translated by Alliki Arro and printed with help from her daughter, Sandra Kasturi.
Children’s literature also had its moment: Vincent Teetsov and Laani Teetsov marked the fifth anniversary of their characters Pumpkin and Stretch with a puppetshow and songs. Later, musician Reti Noorhani performed original compositions inspired by Emily Dickinson and the theme of the Estonian Song Festival, IseOma.
The program ended with poetry readings by the article author herself, including selections from the her own collection “Metsavaht,”(“Forest Ranger”) published 25 years ago. In a fitting coincidence, a signed book by surrealist poet Andres Ehin— who once attended a Toronto literary-musical performance based on Metsavaht—was discovered among the fair’s offerings.
With books, performances, recommendations, and even a raffle, VEMU’s book fair truly offered something for everyone—and plenty of nourishment for the mind.
Riina Kindlam
Full length article can be read here.