What do you think?
Rate this book
Luchtfietsen
Luchtfietsen is de laatste grote historische roman van Jaan Kross (1920-2007, Estland).
Via de beschrijving van het leven van de begaafde Ullo Paerand, wiens familie eerst verarmt en dan uiteenvalt, schetst Kross een indringend beeld van de geschiedenis van Estland als onafhankelijke republiek, als een door de Sovjet-Unie en Duitsland bezet land tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog en daarna als deel van de Sovjet-Unie, maar ook een psychologisch portret van een mens die zichzelf trouw blijft in zeer wisselende en onzekere omstandigheden.
Via de beschrijving van het leven van de begaafde Ullo Paerand, wiens familie eerst verarmt en dan uiteenvalt, schetst Kross een indringend beeld van de geschiedenis van Estland als onafhankelijke republiek, als een door de Sovjet-Unie en Duitsland bezet land tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog en daarna als deel van de Sovjet-Unie, maar ook een psychologisch portret van een mens die zichzelf trouw blijft in zeer wisselende en onzekere omstandigheden.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
9 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Jaan Kross
101 books80 followersJaan Kross (1920 – 2007) was an Estonian writer. He has been tipped for the Nobel Prize for Literature on several occasions for his novels, but did in fact start his literary career as a poet and translator of poetry. On his return from the labour camps and internal exile in Russia, where he spent the years 1946-1954 as a political prisoner, Kross renewed Estonian poetry, giving it new directions.
Kross began writing prose in the latter half of the 1960s, first with a film scenario "A Livonian Chronicle" (Liivimaa kroonika) which dealt with the life of the author Balthasar Russow (1536-1600) and which also became the subject of his first masterpiece "Between Three Plagues" (Kolme katku vahel, 1970), a suit of four novels. From that time onwards Kross moved by stage nearer to our present time in history, describing figures from Estonian history, first in short stories and novellæ, later in novels, also in writings where he has drawn upon his own experiences. The heroes of his novels tend to be of Estonian or Baltic German origin and cultured people, though on the margins of society and are usually faced with a moral dilemma of some sort.
Kross began writing prose in the latter half of the 1960s, first with a film scenario "A Livonian Chronicle" (Liivimaa kroonika) which dealt with the life of the author Balthasar Russow (1536-1600) and which also became the subject of his first masterpiece "Between Three Plagues" (Kolme katku vahel, 1970), a suit of four novels. From that time onwards Kross moved by stage nearer to our present time in history, describing figures from Estonian history, first in short stories and novellæ, later in novels, also in writings where he has drawn upon his own experiences. The heroes of his novels tend to be of Estonian or Baltic German origin and cultured people, though on the margins of society and are usually faced with a moral dilemma of some sort.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 29, 2023
Vuelo estático es, o debiera ser un libro de lectura para todos los estonios (si creyera en el valor de la obligatoriedad de la lectura de literatura).
La estructura es, a primera vista, sencillo: Sirkel, alter ego de Jaan Kross, nos cuenta la vida de Ullo Paerand. Muchas veces narrando las cosas que ha escuchado; otras dándole voz a Ullo en unas entrevistas pautadas para esta biografía.
En el trasfondo, se puede ver transcurrir la historia de Estonia, desde su declaración de la Independencia en 1918, hasta la década del '80, cuando se desarrollan las entrevistas; aunque con una mirada del narrador, posterior a la caída del muro.
No sé si es este libro es para todos, además de los estonios: un libro de casi quinientas páginas sobre un personaje estonio. Sí puedo decir que me resultó muy grato para mí: recorrer este largo camino fue posible gracias a la gran calidad narrativa de Kross.
Jaan Kross nació en Estonia en 1920 y fue uno de los más destacados escritores de su país. Sufrió las contingencias del siglo, siendo prisionero tanto de los nazis como de los soviéticos, y fue nominado en varias ocasiones al Premio Nobel.
La estructura es, a primera vista, sencillo: Sirkel, alter ego de Jaan Kross, nos cuenta la vida de Ullo Paerand. Muchas veces narrando las cosas que ha escuchado; otras dándole voz a Ullo en unas entrevistas pautadas para esta biografía.
En el trasfondo, se puede ver transcurrir la historia de Estonia, desde su declaración de la Independencia en 1918, hasta la década del '80, cuando se desarrollan las entrevistas; aunque con una mirada del narrador, posterior a la caída del muro.
No sé si es este libro es para todos, además de los estonios: un libro de casi quinientas páginas sobre un personaje estonio. Sí puedo decir que me resultó muy grato para mí: recorrer este largo camino fue posible gracias a la gran calidad narrativa de Kross.
Jaan Kross nació en Estonia en 1920 y fue uno de los más destacados escritores de su país. Sufrió las contingencias del siglo, siendo prisionero tanto de los nazis como de los soviéticos, y fue nominado en varias ocasiones al Premio Nobel.
October 25, 2020
Labāk kā Guntis Berelis par šo darbu es noteikti neuzrakstīšu: https://berelis.wordpress.com/2002/04...
Piezīme no manis - apmēram grāmatas vidū sajutos it kā mīņātos uz vietas, mēģināju šo sajūtu aizdzīt ar nesen iznākušo vācu detektīvromānu "Dzīves saldme" (Pauluss Hohgaterers), bet arī tur attapos mīņājoties uz vietas. Atsvaidzinājumam izlasīju citu igauni - Kivirehku un varēju atgriezties pie Jāna Krossa un viņa grāmatas varoņa Ullo Paerandu. Lai arī "Lidojums uz vietas" ir patiešām meistarīgi uzrakstīts, tomēr, iespējams, zināma pauze pa vidu ir nepieciešama.
Par pašu Ullo Paerandu man tomēr gribas ielikt vienu citātu, kas, šķiet, raksturo gan viņu, gan grāmatas stāstījumu.
"[..] Un, starp citu, pats ezers mani neinteresēja. Tas bija spoguļgluds un viegli dūmakains. Ja mani šajā ceļojumā kaut kas interesēja, tas bija dzenrata kuģis, pirmais un pēdējais, ar kuru esmu braucis. Un Alpi rožainā dziesnā, sniegoti, nesasniedzami. Rētikons un kā nu viņus sauc. Tā ka es nodomāju: ja tiktu līdz tiem, tad - nu es nezinu, ko tad..."
Es jautāju: "Paklau, vai tu līdz pat šim brīdim nedzīvo pēc tādas pašas formulas, kā tur uz ezera: interesants ir tas, kas vibrē tev visapkārt, tev zem kājām, gluži tepat, un tas, kas ir nesasniedzmi tālu? Tas, kas atrodas pa starpu, ir neinteresants, pliekans? ..."
Savukārt paša autora meistarību, manuprāt, lieliski raksturo Jāna Unduska vārdi:
"Tu gandrīz nekad neraksti vienkārši: „Viņš apsēdās uz gultas.” Tu neraksti arī precizējot: „Viņš apsēdās uz gultas pārsega.” Tu neraksti pat tā: „Viņš apsēdās uz laulības gultas ādas pārsega.” Lielākoties Tu raksti vismaz šādi: „Viņš apsēdās uz suņādas, ar ko bija pārklāta laulības gulta, kas zem matrača jau viegli čīkstēja un kam dažā nepieejamākā nostūrī bija iemetušās kodes.” Tas ir bagātīgs atributīvs stils, kam mīļš pilnums un pilnīgums. Tevi valdzina nepārtraukta forma bez izlaidumiem. Stila pilsoniskā urbanizācija."
(pilns teksts šeit: https://www.punctummagazine.lv/2020/0...)
Un šo stilu fantastiskā veidā ir izdevies pārcelt latviešu valodā tulkotājai Maimai Grīnbergai.
Piezīme no manis - apmēram grāmatas vidū sajutos it kā mīņātos uz vietas, mēģināju šo sajūtu aizdzīt ar nesen iznākušo vācu detektīvromānu "Dzīves saldme" (Pauluss Hohgaterers), bet arī tur attapos mīņājoties uz vietas. Atsvaidzinājumam izlasīju citu igauni - Kivirehku un varēju atgriezties pie Jāna Krossa un viņa grāmatas varoņa Ullo Paerandu. Lai arī "Lidojums uz vietas" ir patiešām meistarīgi uzrakstīts, tomēr, iespējams, zināma pauze pa vidu ir nepieciešama.
Par pašu Ullo Paerandu man tomēr gribas ielikt vienu citātu, kas, šķiet, raksturo gan viņu, gan grāmatas stāstījumu.
"[..] Un, starp citu, pats ezers mani neinteresēja. Tas bija spoguļgluds un viegli dūmakains. Ja mani šajā ceļojumā kaut kas interesēja, tas bija dzenrata kuģis, pirmais un pēdējais, ar kuru esmu braucis. Un Alpi rožainā dziesnā, sniegoti, nesasniedzami. Rētikons un kā nu viņus sauc. Tā ka es nodomāju: ja tiktu līdz tiem, tad - nu es nezinu, ko tad..."
Es jautāju: "Paklau, vai tu līdz pat šim brīdim nedzīvo pēc tādas pašas formulas, kā tur uz ezera: interesants ir tas, kas vibrē tev visapkārt, tev zem kājām, gluži tepat, un tas, kas ir nesasniedzmi tālu? Tas, kas atrodas pa starpu, ir neinteresants, pliekans? ..."
Savukārt paša autora meistarību, manuprāt, lieliski raksturo Jāna Unduska vārdi:
"Tu gandrīz nekad neraksti vienkārši: „Viņš apsēdās uz gultas.” Tu neraksti arī precizējot: „Viņš apsēdās uz gultas pārsega.” Tu neraksti pat tā: „Viņš apsēdās uz laulības gultas ādas pārsega.” Lielākoties Tu raksti vismaz šādi: „Viņš apsēdās uz suņādas, ar ko bija pārklāta laulības gulta, kas zem matrača jau viegli čīkstēja un kam dažā nepieejamākā nostūrī bija iemetušās kodes.” Tas ir bagātīgs atributīvs stils, kam mīļš pilnums un pilnīgums. Tevi valdzina nepārtraukta forma bez izlaidumiem. Stila pilsoniskā urbanizācija."
(pilns teksts šeit: https://www.punctummagazine.lv/2020/0...)
Un šo stilu fantastiskā veidā ir izdevies pārcelt latviešu valodā tulkotājai Maimai Grīnbergai.
February 3, 2020
Kättevõtmine inspireeritud raamatukogust väljunud daami kaenlas olnud "Keisri hullust". Aitäh!
Aga igatahes. Saame selle negatiivsega kohe maha ja läheme siis ilusa juurde. Mulle tundus kohati, et Kross pingutas natuke oma teadmiste esitlemisega üle. Enamasti mõjus teoses leidunud faktivaria üpris loomulikult ning täitis õiget kohta - näiteks demonstreerimaks Paeranna tegelaskuju hämmastavat mälu - aeg-ajalt jäi siiski üleliigseks ning kujunes autori enese edvistamiseks. Õnneks ei läinud see tohutult üle piiri ning lugeda oli siiski äärmiselt meeldiv.
Tähendab, tegelikult oligi äärmiselt meeldiv. Pärisajalugu segatud subjektiivse fiktiivsusega, sekka mõnusalt võõrkeeli (mis arusaajat muidugi meelitavad) ja kirglikku noorusaega iseseisvas ja mitte nii iseseisvas Eestis. Peab ütlema, et natuke tuli Tarantino "Vääritute tõbraste" tunne.
Jah, ma võrdlesin just Krossi Tarantinoga.
Watchu gon' do aboudit
Soovitaks lugeda 21-24-aasta vanustel poistel, keda huvitab ajalugu.
Aga igatahes. Saame selle negatiivsega kohe maha ja läheme siis ilusa juurde. Mulle tundus kohati, et Kross pingutas natuke oma teadmiste esitlemisega üle. Enamasti mõjus teoses leidunud faktivaria üpris loomulikult ning täitis õiget kohta - näiteks demonstreerimaks Paeranna tegelaskuju hämmastavat mälu - aeg-ajalt jäi siiski üleliigseks ning kujunes autori enese edvistamiseks. Õnneks ei läinud see tohutult üle piiri ning lugeda oli siiski äärmiselt meeldiv.
Tähendab, tegelikult oligi äärmiselt meeldiv. Pärisajalugu segatud subjektiivse fiktiivsusega, sekka mõnusalt võõrkeeli (mis arusaajat muidugi meelitavad) ja kirglikku noorusaega iseseisvas ja mitte nii iseseisvas Eestis. Peab ütlema, et natuke tuli Tarantino "Vääritute tõbraste" tunne.
Jah, ma võrdlesin just Krossi Tarantinoga.
Watchu gon' do aboudit
Soovitaks lugeda 21-24-aasta vanustel poistel, keda huvitab ajalugu.
May 6, 2018
Despite the very dramatic events this book describes, it manages to be extremely dull. Somehow all the excitement is flattened by a very bureaucratic expression where events and people are typically just listed in the order of encountered. I wanted to understand better the WWII years in Estonia but remian no wiser after having read this.
May 18, 2025
Skriven ur ett lite annorlunda perspektiv genom författarens alter ego och dennes intervjuanteckningar från samtal med en fiktiv karaktär. För den som (likt mig) är intresserad av Estlands moderna historia finns massor att hämta ur berättelsen om Ullo Paerand, och det unika sätt på vilket Kross har skrivit boken på gjorde ”På stället flyg” mer än bara minnesvärd.
February 16, 2022
El autor nos narra la vida de su amigo Ullo en la época convulsa de Estonia que va desde la primera Guerra mundial hasta la finalización de la segunda Guerra , también mencionando en muchos capítulos la guerra de la independencia estoniana en el transcurso de la novela destaca como su amigo en diferentes trabajos se gana la vida .
Una novela que nos muestra el patriotismo estoniano en la época y cómo las potencias mundiales de ese siglo manejaron de mala manera el problema de los países bálticos después de la guerra
Una novela que nos muestra el patriotismo estoniano en la época y cómo las potencias mundiales de ese siglo manejaron de mala manera el problema de los países bálticos después de la guerra
January 20, 2025
Ootasin vist romaanist rohkem ilukirjanduslikku elamust, emotsionaalsemat ja psühholoogiliselt sügavamat tegelaste käsitlust. Mõjub rohkem ajaloosündmuste loeteluna. Aga oma olulisus selles siiski ajaloosündmuste harimise aspektist on, ja ilmselt oluline, et see kirja on saanud.
April 26, 2010
Treading Air is an Estonian novel which, to quote the blurb, ‘follows the life of Ullo Paerand through thirty years of violent upheaval in Estonia’. I’ve actually had it on my to-read list for some time, but to be honest I kept putting it off because the back cover made it sound a bit depressing. And while it’s perfectly reasonable that a book telling the story of Estonia over the twentieth century would be a little gloomy, I didn’t particularly fancy it.
I’m glad I finally read it, though; it’s a fine novel and not nearly as depressing as it could be, although partially because it chooses not to dwell on the bad stuff. In fact, it is mainly about Paerand’s life as a young man before the Soviet occupation, which is handled quite lightly and with a good deal of humour; the bulk of his adult life under the Soviet regime is skipped over in a few short chapters. I don’t know whether this is supposed to be symbolic of Estonia itself: a closing down of the possibilities of life, a kind of hibernation for the whole country.
I’m glad I finally read it, though; it’s a fine novel and not nearly as depressing as it could be, although partially because it chooses not to dwell on the bad stuff. In fact, it is mainly about Paerand’s life as a young man before the Soviet occupation, which is handled quite lightly and with a good deal of humour; the bulk of his adult life under the Soviet regime is skipped over in a few short chapters. I don’t know whether this is supposed to be symbolic of Estonia itself: a closing down of the possibilities of life, a kind of hibernation for the whole country.
Read
April 11, 2016Did not like this book too much. The book is about an ordinary person / non-professional writer that lives in Estonia during 1920- approx 1980's. The interesting part was getting to know a bit about Estonia during Russian and german occupation and the work as a civil servant during these times.
When you're from Estionia or into Estionian literature you will like it a lot better because there a a lot of references and quotes from famous Estonian writers and poets.
When you're from Estionia or into Estionian literature you will like it a lot better because there a a lot of references and quotes from famous Estonian writers and poets.
June 7, 2024
Plongée très intéressante dans une page d'histoire méconnue: l'Estonie de l'après Première Guerre Mondiale, de la Guerre d'Indépendance, l'Estonie indépendante puis occupée et finalement annexée.
Le livre nous plonge dans toutes ces étapes.
Gardez Wikipedia à portée de main: ce sera l'occasion d'approfondir même rapidement qui est qui et qui fait quoi. Le personnage est attachant et nous transmet les espoirs et les hantises de cette époque.
Découverte très chouette que je recommande!
Le livre nous plonge dans toutes ces étapes.
Gardez Wikipedia à portée de main: ce sera l'occasion d'approfondir même rapidement qui est qui et qui fait quoi. Le personnage est attachant et nous transmet les espoirs et les hantises de cette époque.
Découverte très chouette que je recommande!
April 29, 2015
Forrest Gump intelligentidele.
August 19, 2017
Oh! It was good. So, the book "follows" the life of this fictional character named Ullo Paerand, during the independence, then during both occupations of Estonia. It's Ullo who talks about his life in retrospective in the 80s to his friend, who then would compose a book. It gives a certain sincerity, and makes it more believable and personal.
The book was interesting for couple of reasons. Firstly, it kind of showed the life of an ordinary person, definitely very educated but not only book-smart. On the other hand, he was not ordinary at all, given the "life" he lived. He witnessed almost all the important points in young Estonia's history. But, he was an ordinary person in a sense that it wasn't written from the point of view of, for example, the Prime Minister. The pictures that are painted through words, show a young man who starts in a very wealthy family but then life happens, as it always does. Second, the symbols (that are more significant the more I think about that) and all the oppositions that are given that maybe isn't possible to grasp while reading but you have to give it some time to digest, in a way!
Also, personally, I liked, that it showed also how the West reacted (or didn't) to all that that was happening in that tiny country.
Good reading, but one should be careful while reading it. Fictional characters are combined with real historically existed figures, and very important ones. Moreover, to understand it quite fairly, one should also be somewhat familiar with the history of Estonia (notably, of 20th century).
The book was interesting for couple of reasons. Firstly, it kind of showed the life of an ordinary person, definitely very educated but not only book-smart. On the other hand, he was not ordinary at all, given the "life" he lived. He witnessed almost all the important points in young Estonia's history. But, he was an ordinary person in a sense that it wasn't written from the point of view of, for example, the Prime Minister. The pictures that are painted through words, show a young man who starts in a very wealthy family but then life happens, as it always does. Second, the symbols (that are more significant the more I think about that) and all the oppositions that are given that maybe isn't possible to grasp while reading but you have to give it some time to digest, in a way!
Also, personally, I liked, that it showed also how the West reacted (or didn't) to all that that was happening in that tiny country.
Good reading, but one should be careful while reading it. Fictional characters are combined with real historically existed figures, and very important ones. Moreover, to understand it quite fairly, one should also be somewhat familiar with the history of Estonia (notably, of 20th century).
February 9, 2018
Tämähän oli loistava kirja. Vetävästi ja hauskasti kirjoitettu kirja ajanjaksosta, joka oli liian vauhdikas ja karmea. Kirjassa ei varsinaisesti esiinny mustavalkoisia vihollisia venäläis- tai saksalasimiehittäjissä, puhumattakaan Viron 30-luvun lopun autoritäärisestä hallinnosta puhuttaessa. Länsimaisten valtion toiminta, kaksinaismoralismi ja selän kääntäminen kyllä tuodaan selkeästi esille. Toisaalta, Suomi esiintyy suomalaisia miellyttävässä valossa. "Lahden toisella puolella suomalaiset miettivät, että vielä pitäisi tulla auttamaan teitä, kun olemme taistelleet kaksi sotaa venäläisiä vastaan ja kohta aloitamme kolmannen saksalaisia vastaan, eikä viro ole tehnyt vastarintaa ollenkaan".
Valtiomoraalia kiinnostavampaa ovat kuitenkin hauskasti kirjoitetut henkilöt ja etenevä tarina. Ihmiset ovat ihmisiä, myös heikkouksineen. Historian antama kuva henkilöistä yksiselitteisesti maanpetturina, juoppona, pelkurina tai sankarina harvoin on oikea. Hyvään voi silti pyrkiä. Elämän ironia vain tuppaa oleman julmaa, hirtehishuumorin julmaa.
Valtiomoraalia kiinnostavampaa ovat kuitenkin hauskasti kirjoitetut henkilöt ja etenevä tarina. Ihmiset ovat ihmisiä, myös heikkouksineen. Historian antama kuva henkilöistä yksiselitteisesti maanpetturina, juoppona, pelkurina tai sankarina harvoin on oikea. Hyvään voi silti pyrkiä. Elämän ironia vain tuppaa oleman julmaa, hirtehishuumorin julmaa.
December 4, 2024
I have grown to love Kross' works and his style of writing.
So far, I've only read three of his works, but each one has been a delight. His language is funny, precise, rich, and vivid, and Kross uses it to bring the Estonian history alive through each of his characters.
This one was not about Kross himself, but his friend, Ullo Paerand - who I'd already met in Mesmeri's Ring. Mesmeri continues to be my favourite Kross, as its intensity and grip has not been beaten yet, and I have to say at times Ullo's story felt more far away. Nevertheless I think Kross' gift in writing history by placing people and their feelings in the centre is awe-inspiring, and I fully enjoyed this trip to the past.
Some moments sent a chill down my spine, some stole a laugh from me, and some were sharp in their criticism and irony - a tone I enjoy.
Certainly knowing more of Estonian culture and language would be beneficial, but not knowing does not lessen the joy of reading.
So far, I've only read three of his works, but each one has been a delight. His language is funny, precise, rich, and vivid, and Kross uses it to bring the Estonian history alive through each of his characters.
This one was not about Kross himself, but his friend, Ullo Paerand - who I'd already met in Mesmeri's Ring. Mesmeri continues to be my favourite Kross, as its intensity and grip has not been beaten yet, and I have to say at times Ullo's story felt more far away. Nevertheless I think Kross' gift in writing history by placing people and their feelings in the centre is awe-inspiring, and I fully enjoyed this trip to the past.
Some moments sent a chill down my spine, some stole a laugh from me, and some were sharp in their criticism and irony - a tone I enjoy.
Certainly knowing more of Estonian culture and language would be beneficial, but not knowing does not lessen the joy of reading.
May 15, 2023
3.5
"...tendría que resultarte sumamente fácil imaginarte esta escena: en este mismísimo instante, en esta misma estancia, se te traga el suelo de piedra y retrocedes en el tiempo 200 años. Y de repente te encuentras en la misma estancia que mi antepasado. Vives en los años que él vivió. Con la misma penumbra y el mismo frío. Como en un sótano. Aquí estás, este es tu sitio. Y ni sabes nada en absoluto de lo que está sucediendo en las otras plantas del edificio, donde hay más claridad. Porque aún no existen. ¿ No te parece que, allá abajo, tal vez tú también pensarías un poquitín diferente...?"
"...tendría que resultarte sumamente fácil imaginarte esta escena: en este mismísimo instante, en esta misma estancia, se te traga el suelo de piedra y retrocedes en el tiempo 200 años. Y de repente te encuentras en la misma estancia que mi antepasado. Vives en los años que él vivió. Con la misma penumbra y el mismo frío. Como en un sótano. Aquí estás, este es tu sitio. Y ni sabes nada en absoluto de lo que está sucediendo en las otras plantas del edificio, donde hay más claridad. Porque aún no existen. ¿ No te parece que, allá abajo, tal vez tú también pensarías un poquitín diferente...?"
March 30, 2025
The story of Ullo Paerand is told via the narrator of this book, who's a close friend of his. From a historical perspective, the book introduces us to a young Ullo from the 1920s and all the way to a 70 year old man in the 1980s. From Weimar Germany, to World War 2 and then to the Soviet invasion of Estonia, we get to see these historical events which served as a backdrop in every facet of Ullo's life. In each of these facet, there's exploration on love, philosophy, art, war and other mundane day to day occurrences which makes this a compelling read.
April 9, 2018
Till min kurs om Estland. Jag fick bråttom att läsa ut den igår kväll, så det var inte optimala förutsättningar. Men jag tror inte jag varit så förtjust ändå (och kanske hade jag inte ens läst ut den...)
Det är väldigt många namn, som jag tror är intressanta om man kan sin estniska historia/är est. För mig är det inte fallet.
Det är också lite konstigt att berättaren vet så oändligt mycket och detaljerat om Ullos barndom (själv har jag mycket lösa minnen från min egen barndom...).
Det är väldigt många namn, som jag tror är intressanta om man kan sin estniska historia/är est. För mig är det inte fallet.
Det är också lite konstigt att berättaren vet så oändligt mycket och detaljerat om Ullos barndom (själv har jag mycket lösa minnen från min egen barndom...).
March 10, 2024
"Algunas veces empleamos en nuestros relatos los mejores colores de la realidad, y otras los más sosos. Los más espesos van allí donde algo se quedó a medias, frustrado, y los más sosos allá donde algo se hizo realidad o acabó por imponerse."
He aprendido mucho con este libro sobre la azarosa historia de Estonia del siglo XX. Una novela memorialística con un sorprendrente y desconcertante toque final.
He aprendido mucho con este libro sobre la azarosa historia de Estonia del siglo XX. Una novela memorialística con un sorprendrente y desconcertante toque final.
July 25, 2023
Leido el 25 de julio de 2023 en Riga, Letonia.
November 29, 2023
This literary work may be of interest to Estonians.
September 20, 2025
This novel of Estonia’s best known author Jaan Kross tells the story of how Estonia has survived several regimes during the 20th century, through the eyes of Ulrich Berend, who renamed himself Ullo Paerand. And especially how Ullo Paerand as an individual manages to survive during all kinds of historical turmoil. The historical significance of the preceedings in which he has his role, is clearly presented. The author uses mostly a laconic tone (not an indifferent one, on the contrary!). Yet he finds a way to emphasize tensions wherever they appear. Those two aspects are well balanced.
As a pars pro toto, Ullo finds himself mangled, every time there is a sudden transition of ruler. During the 20th century: Russian tsaristic empire, independence war 1918, incorporated by Russia in 1939, the occupation by the Germans from 1941-1944, liberated or, well, ruled by the Russians again, until 1991. The narrative reaches from 1920 to the 1980s.
A nice example is the scene, where Ullo is working for the government, gets the task to translate a declaration of independence in English and broadcast the message by radio. He does so dozens of times, not knowing/ not being able to know, if anyone can hear him. It is a cringeworthy scene, by the emptiness and the absurdity in its context.
By reading this novel I got to know many things about Estonia from ‘the inside’. 2013 I’ve read
Jan Brokken’s book ‘Baltische zielen: Lotgevallen in Estland, Letland en Litouwen’ (Baltic souls); that book offers a good view upon the Baltic states ‘from the outside’. Both of them are very worthful and a very interesting read. 3,5 *. JM
As a pars pro toto, Ullo finds himself mangled, every time there is a sudden transition of ruler. During the 20th century: Russian tsaristic empire, independence war 1918, incorporated by Russia in 1939, the occupation by the Germans from 1941-1944, liberated or, well, ruled by the Russians again, until 1991. The narrative reaches from 1920 to the 1980s.
A nice example is the scene, where Ullo is working for the government, gets the task to translate a declaration of independence in English and broadcast the message by radio. He does so dozens of times, not knowing/ not being able to know, if anyone can hear him. It is a cringeworthy scene, by the emptiness and the absurdity in its context.
By reading this novel I got to know many things about Estonia from ‘the inside’. 2013 I’ve read
Jan Brokken’s book ‘Baltische zielen: Lotgevallen in Estland, Letland en Litouwen’ (Baltic souls); that book offers a good view upon the Baltic states ‘from the outside’. Both of them are very worthful and a very interesting read. 3,5 *. JM
September 29, 2008
A very interesting fictional account of Ullo Paerends, a young man living in Estonia, in a time of political and social upheaval.
October 18, 2016
I deff need to re-read when I have more time but great book about the realities of Estonian politics and various bits of a mans life.
April 20, 2008
Crushingly good. But read /The Tzar's Madman/ and /Professor Martens' Departure/ first.
April 2, 2017
This is a sort of biographer of a fictional person set in 20th century Estonia, where the biographer is also a side character, mainly during interviews with his main character. Yet it remains pretty uncertain why this character is interesting enough to read about. Only after 170 pages do we get into vaguely interesting territory, as the character's life is linked to the political upheaval (from independent Estonia to Nazi German occupation to Soviet Russian occupation). It might be an interesting novel to people who are up to date on the Estonian history (i.e. Estonians mainly, I reckon), but I thought it was pretty dull.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews