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Minu... #13
Minu Eesti. Kas lubate elada?, 1. osa
„See on nii romantiline!” Mitu inimest on mu käsikirja kohta kasutanud just seda fraasi ja neil on õigus: noor kriisis ameeriklane armub põnevasse eestlannast ajakirjanikku ning alustab teekonda, mis taastab noormehe usu endasse ja maailma. Nõus. See on romantiline.
Aga see teekond ei olnud lihtne. Välismaalane saabub keset kõige pimedamat talve ja peab jääma ellu sel kõige õnnetuma saatusega Skandinaaviamaal, kus iga perekonda kummitavad minevikuõudused, kus inimesed söövad verest tehtud vorste ja tarretiseks keedetud lihatükke, joovad sooja leivajooki, ning hilinemise eest võib neid tabada surmanuhtlus.
Ma hakkasin seda maad armastama tema ilus ja inetuses, ja armastasin edasi ka neil hetkedel, kui mind maale tagasi lasta ei tahetud.
Aga see teekond ei olnud lihtne. Välismaalane saabub keset kõige pimedamat talve ja peab jääma ellu sel kõige õnnetuma saatusega Skandinaaviamaal, kus iga perekonda kummitavad minevikuõudused, kus inimesed söövad verest tehtud vorste ja tarretiseks keedetud lihatükke, joovad sooja leivajooki, ning hilinemise eest võib neid tabada surmanuhtlus.
Ma hakkasin seda maad armastama tema ilus ja inetuses, ja armastasin edasi ka neil hetkedel, kui mind maale tagasi lasta ei tahetud.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2009
12 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Justin Petrone
16 books27 followersA native New Yorker, writer and journalist Justin Petrone has been living in Northern Europe for more than 20 years. With a dozen books to his name and hundreds of articles, he specializes in travel memoirs and experimental dream fiction. His work has appeared in Standart and Edasi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 22, 2010
Long Island native Justin Petrone, like many young people, wanted to shake up his life after graduating from college. He wasn’t sure how, but he managed to do it in a big way. My Estonia tells his true story of a life-altering year of love and timeliness.
“Finland really was my last hope. It was calling me in my sleep from Helsinki: an open-air mental institution on the other side of the world.” Little did he know joining a foreign correspondence program wouldn’t just change his direction for a few shorts weeks. Ultimately, his compass would be facing north for a time longer than he ever imagined.
On his first day in Finland, he met the captivating Estonian named Epp. She wasn’t so much concerned with direction as long as she was moving. Justin quickly fell in love with her as she took him on a winding road to Estonia through England, France, Italy, and Ireland. Once it was decided they would marry, they settled for a while in Estonia so Epp could finish school.
As his time in Estonia progressed, Justin discovered the good, the bad, and the beautiful of this little country that many Americans are unable to locate on a world map. The small size of Estonia allowed him to explore the medieval old town of Tallinn, the hip university area of Tartu, and the bogs of the south.
He moved to Estonia in January, a time of year when the country is covered with ice and snow, and was hit by bitter cold days and a darkness that falls by mid-afternoon. Although he handled the weather well, other things didn’t come as easily: “When most people think about adjusting to life in a northern country during the winter, they think about being depressed by the dark and the cold and turning to alcohol for relief. But wasn’t the weather that starved me of joy in Estonia; it was the awful food.”
Through humor and humility I was able to connect with his experience. It also helps that I’ve been to Estonia and related to many of his observations. The one aspect of Estonia that I do disagree with, though, is his initial interpretation of the people. He never displays contempt or even very much irritation, but does paint them as not being personable. I’d agree their culture isn’t as open armed as, say, Brazilians or Italians are, but I was met with a lot of kindness and felt very welcome during my stay.
From his description of Tallinn’s Old Town to the college town of Tartu, anyone will become intrigued by this unique nation. This could be seen as a travel novel for people who have an interest in Estonia, but underneath is a much deeper story. Anyone who has moved somewhere unfamiliar, or unexpectedly fallen in love, can relate to this book. Even if you’ve only imagined finding love in an exotic place, this would be an interesting read for you.
Review by Andrea Hance
“Finland really was my last hope. It was calling me in my sleep from Helsinki: an open-air mental institution on the other side of the world.” Little did he know joining a foreign correspondence program wouldn’t just change his direction for a few shorts weeks. Ultimately, his compass would be facing north for a time longer than he ever imagined.
On his first day in Finland, he met the captivating Estonian named Epp. She wasn’t so much concerned with direction as long as she was moving. Justin quickly fell in love with her as she took him on a winding road to Estonia through England, France, Italy, and Ireland. Once it was decided they would marry, they settled for a while in Estonia so Epp could finish school.
As his time in Estonia progressed, Justin discovered the good, the bad, and the beautiful of this little country that many Americans are unable to locate on a world map. The small size of Estonia allowed him to explore the medieval old town of Tallinn, the hip university area of Tartu, and the bogs of the south.
He moved to Estonia in January, a time of year when the country is covered with ice and snow, and was hit by bitter cold days and a darkness that falls by mid-afternoon. Although he handled the weather well, other things didn’t come as easily: “When most people think about adjusting to life in a northern country during the winter, they think about being depressed by the dark and the cold and turning to alcohol for relief. But wasn’t the weather that starved me of joy in Estonia; it was the awful food.”
Through humor and humility I was able to connect with his experience. It also helps that I’ve been to Estonia and related to many of his observations. The one aspect of Estonia that I do disagree with, though, is his initial interpretation of the people. He never displays contempt or even very much irritation, but does paint them as not being personable. I’d agree their culture isn’t as open armed as, say, Brazilians or Italians are, but I was met with a lot of kindness and felt very welcome during my stay.
From his description of Tallinn’s Old Town to the college town of Tartu, anyone will become intrigued by this unique nation. This could be seen as a travel novel for people who have an interest in Estonia, but underneath is a much deeper story. Anyone who has moved somewhere unfamiliar, or unexpectedly fallen in love, can relate to this book. Even if you’ve only imagined finding love in an exotic place, this would be an interesting read for you.
Review by Andrea Hance
December 26, 2010
The story of an American college grad with a lack of ambition and direction ends up falling in love with an Estonian girl and moves to Estonia. The author's reflections are somewhat whiney, self-righteous, and immature at times. However, that could be a reflection of his youth and general lack of life experience. The book is not especially well written. It is one man's story of expat life in Estonia. His Estonia does not track well with "my Estonia."
April 22, 2010
It was passively interesting to read as an Estonian trying to understand the mindset of foreigners, but does not deserve a place on my bookshelf.
August 28, 2014
Estonia is a country in the Baltic Region, located 'somewhere' in Eastern Europe. It's a democratic Parliamentary Republic divided into fifteen counties, its capital (and largest city) being Tallinn. Its population of 1.3 million makes it one of the least-populous member states of the European Union (which they joined in 2004) and its territory covers 45, 227 km2 , fact that makes it a VERY tiny country, at least according to South American standards =).
So, basically, that's what Wikipedia told me the first time I googled Estonia, several months ago. But after having read this book, I can proudly say that my knowledge of this country is quite deeper than it used to be. I'm not yet an expert, but I've got something to begin with…
Having the chance to learn more about Estonia and Estonians was essentially what I liked the most about the book. Justin's reactions to Estonia's way of life were amusing. They made me imagine myself in the same place, being new in a country that is completely different from my own, and meeting new kind of people, trying new food and learning a language that seems to be more difficult to learn than Klingon…. Considering that Klingon doesn't even exist hahaha.
But I can't write this review without mentioning something that I consider to be essential: I didn't like Justin's reactions. I didn't like his constant whining. I didn't like his negative - and sometimes childish - attitude towards everything, at times even towards Epp. I didn't like his lack of enthusiasm, his lack of ability to be amazed at his brand new life in this brand new place. I didn't like Justin's difficulties to adapt to the new environment. I didn't like Justin's personality. Well, to sum up my main feelings about him, I should say that I simply didn't like Justin. I don't mean to be offensive, just honest. I disliked the author and that made me want to finish the book as soon as possible. Especially in some parts that I found particularly annoying.
***MINOR SPOILERS FROM HERE***
When he whines about the weather.
When he whines about the area in Tallinn where their flat is located.
When he whines about his past, his parents, his loneliness.
When he whines about every single aspect of his past life.
When he whines about every single aspect of his current life.
When he asks Epp to marry him, but 'not now, just when we feel like doing it' (?)
When he says the food is disgusting and overreacts about everything.
When he acts childish and tells Epp that he doesn't want to marry her. (It sounded way too harsh and hurtful to my ears… I don't understand how she forgives him so easily).
When he says he feels lonely DURING HIS FIRST DAY in Estonia.
When he says he's been living there for three months and he's sad because he doesn't have any true friends (Come one, finding true friends is not something that happens in three months. Sometimes not even during a lifetime!)
I know that moving to another country - in this case from the United States to Estonia - is not an easy decision. I know that it's difficult putting your past, your family, friends, neighborhood, homeland, etc. behind your back and start a new life across the ocean. I know it takes huge amounts of courage and hard work to do so. I know. But Justin's attitude was one of permanent complain, whining about everything and from day zero. At first it wasn't seriously bothering me, but when that attitude started to be repetitive and recurrent, I got annoyed. Estonian winter is hard and he knew that before traveling there in that time of the year. But he decided to do it anyway. No one forced him to make that decision, it was his call. He was a grown-up man starting a new life far away from his comfort zone. What was he thinking? That everything was going to be easy, as in a contemporary fairytale? You can't be so naïve when you're making such an important change in your life. And it's not fair to Epp either. She knows and appreciates what he's doing for her, but she's sacrificing things too, and betting on their relationship just like him. She tries to do her best to make him feel good; she is caring and understanding - a bit crazy sometimes - but sweet and supportive. And he acts as a child. I got the sensation that he is permanently overreacting and exaggerating the facts. But of course, this is just my personal, subjective appreciation. I don't own the truth and I know that universal truth is not something to be owned. I don't even believe in it!
So, I didn't like the personality of the main character, who happens to be also the author of the book. The plot is not that interesting, doesn't happen much but it's not 'boring' either. When you don't empathize with an important character of a story - not to mention the main one - enjoying the lecture in a relaxed way becomes a very difficult task. You're permanently thinking: 'why?!' 'Why does he do this?' and adopting a critical attitude towards everything he says or does. That's what happened to me. I didn't like Justin and that was impossible to ignore. I'm sorry, Justin. I hope you understand me and don't feel offended (if you ever read this review).
But I liked to learn more about Estonia, I've had good laughs and, since I've started reading this book, there's nothing in the world I would like to eat more than a full plate of pelmeenid with sour cream…
So, basically, that's what Wikipedia told me the first time I googled Estonia, several months ago. But after having read this book, I can proudly say that my knowledge of this country is quite deeper than it used to be. I'm not yet an expert, but I've got something to begin with…
Having the chance to learn more about Estonia and Estonians was essentially what I liked the most about the book. Justin's reactions to Estonia's way of life were amusing. They made me imagine myself in the same place, being new in a country that is completely different from my own, and meeting new kind of people, trying new food and learning a language that seems to be more difficult to learn than Klingon…. Considering that Klingon doesn't even exist hahaha.
But I can't write this review without mentioning something that I consider to be essential: I didn't like Justin's reactions. I didn't like his constant whining. I didn't like his negative - and sometimes childish - attitude towards everything, at times even towards Epp. I didn't like his lack of enthusiasm, his lack of ability to be amazed at his brand new life in this brand new place. I didn't like Justin's difficulties to adapt to the new environment. I didn't like Justin's personality. Well, to sum up my main feelings about him, I should say that I simply didn't like Justin. I don't mean to be offensive, just honest. I disliked the author and that made me want to finish the book as soon as possible. Especially in some parts that I found particularly annoying.
***MINOR SPOILERS FROM HERE***
When he whines about the weather.
When he whines about the area in Tallinn where their flat is located.
When he whines about his past, his parents, his loneliness.
When he whines about every single aspect of his past life.
When he whines about every single aspect of his current life.
When he asks Epp to marry him, but 'not now, just when we feel like doing it' (?)
When he says the food is disgusting and overreacts about everything.
When he acts childish and tells Epp that he doesn't want to marry her. (It sounded way too harsh and hurtful to my ears… I don't understand how she forgives him so easily).
When he says he feels lonely DURING HIS FIRST DAY in Estonia.
When he says he's been living there for three months and he's sad because he doesn't have any true friends (Come one, finding true friends is not something that happens in three months. Sometimes not even during a lifetime!)
I know that moving to another country - in this case from the United States to Estonia - is not an easy decision. I know that it's difficult putting your past, your family, friends, neighborhood, homeland, etc. behind your back and start a new life across the ocean. I know it takes huge amounts of courage and hard work to do so. I know. But Justin's attitude was one of permanent complain, whining about everything and from day zero. At first it wasn't seriously bothering me, but when that attitude started to be repetitive and recurrent, I got annoyed. Estonian winter is hard and he knew that before traveling there in that time of the year. But he decided to do it anyway. No one forced him to make that decision, it was his call. He was a grown-up man starting a new life far away from his comfort zone. What was he thinking? That everything was going to be easy, as in a contemporary fairytale? You can't be so naïve when you're making such an important change in your life. And it's not fair to Epp either. She knows and appreciates what he's doing for her, but she's sacrificing things too, and betting on their relationship just like him. She tries to do her best to make him feel good; she is caring and understanding - a bit crazy sometimes - but sweet and supportive. And he acts as a child. I got the sensation that he is permanently overreacting and exaggerating the facts. But of course, this is just my personal, subjective appreciation. I don't own the truth and I know that universal truth is not something to be owned. I don't even believe in it!
So, I didn't like the personality of the main character, who happens to be also the author of the book. The plot is not that interesting, doesn't happen much but it's not 'boring' either. When you don't empathize with an important character of a story - not to mention the main one - enjoying the lecture in a relaxed way becomes a very difficult task. You're permanently thinking: 'why?!' 'Why does he do this?' and adopting a critical attitude towards everything he says or does. That's what happened to me. I didn't like Justin and that was impossible to ignore. I'm sorry, Justin. I hope you understand me and don't feel offended (if you ever read this review).
But I liked to learn more about Estonia, I've had good laughs and, since I've started reading this book, there's nothing in the world I would like to eat more than a full plate of pelmeenid with sour cream…
March 27, 2023
Justin Petrone räägib teekonnast ja mõttekäigust, mis tõi ta Eestisse ning mis pani teda Eestisse armuma ning pani abielluma Eesti naisega. Juttu on traditsioonilistest, välismaalastele õudu valmistavatest toitudest nagu sült, tatrapuder ja verivorst ning kultuurilistest eripäradest nagu nõukogudeaegne linnaplaneering ning välikäimlad.
Ma ei suuda leida selles raamatus endale midagi meeldivat või meeldejäävat - peategelane Justin on minu vaates lihtsalt nõnda kapriisne ning ebamõistuspäraselt häiritud tegelane, et ei jäta endast usaldusväärset tunnet. Lool ei ole ka konkreetset süžeed, vaid lihtsalt suvalised killukesed siit ja sealt, mistõttu ei ole arusaadav, miks see raamat üldse välja on antud (kui välja arvata perekondlik side). Samas ma siiski tunnen austust Petrone Print kirjastuse ülla tegevuse vastu ning lehitsen järgmised Eesti-raamatud ka läbi, kuid siis enam neile suuri ootuseid ei sea.
Ma ei suuda leida selles raamatus endale midagi meeldivat või meeldejäävat - peategelane Justin on minu vaates lihtsalt nõnda kapriisne ning ebamõistuspäraselt häiritud tegelane, et ei jäta endast usaldusväärset tunnet. Lool ei ole ka konkreetset süžeed, vaid lihtsalt suvalised killukesed siit ja sealt, mistõttu ei ole arusaadav, miks see raamat üldse välja on antud (kui välja arvata perekondlik side). Samas ma siiski tunnen austust Petrone Print kirjastuse ülla tegevuse vastu ning lehitsen järgmised Eesti-raamatud ka läbi, kuid siis enam neile suuri ootuseid ei sea.
February 19, 2015
I read it right before visiting my friends in Estonia, it really helped me a lot to understand the culture and different Things that are very specific to the Estonian population, but the most useful and cool thing is how much I impressed my fellow Estonians with my knowledge about Eesti people :) recommend it if you planning on visiting Estonia, or if you are just curious what an Estonian life looks like.
November 6, 2018
Very nice to read as an Estonian. Õany things to recognise and also to see from another perspective. Also brutally honest, I would say, but this definitely adds rather than decreases the value.
October 9, 2020
Huvitav on näha Eestis elamist välismaalase silmade läbi. Kohati tundsin küll ennast ka puudutatuna kui Eesti toit peaaegu söödamatuks tunnistati ning eestlased igavateks tuimadeks inimesteks. Raamatu põhjal jäi küll mulje, et uksumatu, et autor oli nõus siia kauemaks jääma, tundus lihtsalt, et Eesti ei suutnud teda eriti vaimustada. Lisaks oli huvitav lugeda Eesti elust ajal kui mina veel palju aru ei saanudki ümbritsevast, vaid mängisin alles barbiedega.
January 4, 2022
Üldises plaanis hästi kirjutatud ja haarav. Meeldib, et autoril on sügav huvi Eesti (ajaloo) vastu. Veerand raamatust ei toimu Eestis.
Kolm tärni - raamat võib meeldida, aga midagi kripeldas pisut või häiris, isegi kui üldjoontes oli hea. Antud raamatu puhul näiteks: miks ta arvas, et kioskis töötanud rõõmsas tujus naine oli rõõmus seetõttu, et oli eelmisel õhtul meest tunda saanud?
Kolm tärni - raamat võib meeldida, aga midagi kripeldas pisut või häiris, isegi kui üldjoontes oli hea. Antud raamatu puhul näiteks: miks ta arvas, et kioskis töötanud rõõmsas tujus naine oli rõõmus seetõttu, et oli eelmisel õhtul meest tunda saanud?
August 6, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. As Estonian it was interesting to read how one foreigner guy sees us and tries to blend in. It was really funny and we still use some quotes from it in our everyday life. Even my husband who never reads a book read it and was laughing pretty hard. This book is definitely one of my favorites from My series. And I`ve read most of them. If they still plan to have a presentation in autumn and I`m still in Estonia I won`t miss it for the world.
I also have to say that this series have made me to write down my own experiences of working in Ireland :) Thanks!
I also have to say that this series have made me to write down my own experiences of working in Ireland :) Thanks!
January 6, 2018
The book is full of laughs, surprises, familiar surroundings (if you reside in Tallinn) and uncertainty while remaining incredibly smooth to read. I would recommend it to all expats incoming to Estonia for whom things may be confusing once in a while. Yet, this book proves that it’s everyone’s case.
October 25, 2012
Poorly written, novice author. I picked this up as I am interested in the Baltics. Hopefully young Mr. Petrone will find his voice as he ages. This is an important part of the world to be thinking about.
April 10, 2021
Mis tunne on olla raamatu peategelane, kui sul endal selle teksti üle kontrolli ei ole?
Mis tunne on näha end armastava inimese silme läbi ja teada, et tuhanded sinu kaasmaalased on nüüd samade silmadega sind näinud? Ainult et kes soovib, see võib muidugi omalt poolt natuke - või palju - mõrkjat kadedust lisada ja näiteks su piltidega kodus voodood teha.
Kummaline tunne on. Mõtlen vahel Justini ütluse peale, et avatud inimesele ei saa haiget teha. Võibolla tõesti: kui sa oled avatud, ei ole sulle võimalik selja tagant kallale karata. Sul ei olegi selga, sa oled lihtsalt avatud :)... Ja nii õppime üha enam maailma usaldama. (Vahel on see endiselt kõhe, sest näkku saab karatab ikka.)
Ok, raamatust. Ma ahhetasin mõnes kohas suure häälega, kui valmis käsikirja lugesin. See, kuidas ta mingeid pisiasju mäletas, aga nojah, ta ju pidas sel ajal päevikut. Samas ei olnud see kõik ju alati PÄRIS nii, muidugi, siin on minu mälu tema mälu vastu. Aga näiteks see õunade loopimise stseen... Need olid Justini õunad, sest mina ei söö õunu, see on ainus puuvili, mis mind iiveldama ajab. Aga samas oli see lause "äh, ma tahtsin selle õuna ju ära süüa" tegelaskuju Epp suhu panduna sinna stseeni sobiv, nii et ma ei hakanud norima.
Enamus sellest raamatust on dokumentaalne tõde. Ja küll on imelik mõelda, et üks aasta minu elust ja mõned tegelased minu suguvõsast on muudetud sümboliteks, mis jääb ilmselt igavesti Eesti kirjanduslukku :).
Kummaline nüanss on ka see, et mitte ainult mu sõbrad ei ütle, et "Epp, ma hakkasin su peale natuke teistmoodi vaatama pärast seda raamatut". Ma ise hakkasin enda peale ka teistmoodi vaatama! Ma ei ole mõelnud selliste seoste peale nagu kas ema surm tõukas mind "hullu ränduri" teele või et mis seal siis nii imelikku on, Londoni pakistanlaste maju koristamas käia jne. Selline ma olin. Kes ma nüüd olen, seda ma veel täpselt ei tea, aga eks kunagi tuleviku retrospektiivraamatutes saab siis seegi selgeks.
Justini toimetaja oli üks inglisekeelne inimene (autori)nimega John Bickerson Bolling. Muide, huvitav märkida, et mitte keegi ei ole seda veel nende kümne intervjuu ja kahekümne blogiposti peale üles noppinud, et KES siis ikkagi oli toimetaja. Võite ju gugeldada seda nime ja mõtiskleda...
Sain aru Justini jutust, et just JBB pani Justini kirjutama tema Oma Lugu, hoidma pinget, näiteks see stooriliin, mis alles raamatu lõpuleheküljel laheneb... JBB pole lugenud ühtegi teist "Minu..." sarja raamatut ja antud juhul on see mu meelest hea - raamat on värske.
Lõppkokkuvõttes võin öelda, et Justin üllatas mind selle raamatuga, nii isiklikus plaanis (mis sa siis sellest üles kirjutasid! :)) kui ka kirjanikuna üllatas ta mind (sest ma saan aru, et mina polnud ainus, kes algusest lõpuni ühe hooga pidi selle alla neelama ning lõppeks jäi sisse mingi kummaline lumm). Õiguppolest ma ju teadsin ammu, et Justinis on see MISKI. Juba siis, kui ma ta muusikat esimest korda kuulasin - ja ma tean siiani, et pärituule korral võiks ta olla rahvusvaheliselt populaarne muusik. Ainult et ta ei ole ise kunagi seda tuult otsinud.
Mul on hea meel, et mul on õnnestunud kirjastamisalaselt ja oma tegelaskujuga talle seda pärituult pakkuda :).
Mis tunne on näha end armastava inimese silme läbi ja teada, et tuhanded sinu kaasmaalased on nüüd samade silmadega sind näinud? Ainult et kes soovib, see võib muidugi omalt poolt natuke - või palju - mõrkjat kadedust lisada ja näiteks su piltidega kodus voodood teha.
Kummaline tunne on. Mõtlen vahel Justini ütluse peale, et avatud inimesele ei saa haiget teha. Võibolla tõesti: kui sa oled avatud, ei ole sulle võimalik selja tagant kallale karata. Sul ei olegi selga, sa oled lihtsalt avatud :)... Ja nii õppime üha enam maailma usaldama. (Vahel on see endiselt kõhe, sest näkku saab karatab ikka.)
Ok, raamatust. Ma ahhetasin mõnes kohas suure häälega, kui valmis käsikirja lugesin. See, kuidas ta mingeid pisiasju mäletas, aga nojah, ta ju pidas sel ajal päevikut. Samas ei olnud see kõik ju alati PÄRIS nii, muidugi, siin on minu mälu tema mälu vastu. Aga näiteks see õunade loopimise stseen... Need olid Justini õunad, sest mina ei söö õunu, see on ainus puuvili, mis mind iiveldama ajab. Aga samas oli see lause "äh, ma tahtsin selle õuna ju ära süüa" tegelaskuju Epp suhu panduna sinna stseeni sobiv, nii et ma ei hakanud norima.
Enamus sellest raamatust on dokumentaalne tõde. Ja küll on imelik mõelda, et üks aasta minu elust ja mõned tegelased minu suguvõsast on muudetud sümboliteks, mis jääb ilmselt igavesti Eesti kirjanduslukku :).
Kummaline nüanss on ka see, et mitte ainult mu sõbrad ei ütle, et "Epp, ma hakkasin su peale natuke teistmoodi vaatama pärast seda raamatut". Ma ise hakkasin enda peale ka teistmoodi vaatama! Ma ei ole mõelnud selliste seoste peale nagu kas ema surm tõukas mind "hullu ränduri" teele või et mis seal siis nii imelikku on, Londoni pakistanlaste maju koristamas käia jne. Selline ma olin. Kes ma nüüd olen, seda ma veel täpselt ei tea, aga eks kunagi tuleviku retrospektiivraamatutes saab siis seegi selgeks.
Justini toimetaja oli üks inglisekeelne inimene (autori)nimega John Bickerson Bolling. Muide, huvitav märkida, et mitte keegi ei ole seda veel nende kümne intervjuu ja kahekümne blogiposti peale üles noppinud, et KES siis ikkagi oli toimetaja. Võite ju gugeldada seda nime ja mõtiskleda...
Sain aru Justini jutust, et just JBB pani Justini kirjutama tema Oma Lugu, hoidma pinget, näiteks see stooriliin, mis alles raamatu lõpuleheküljel laheneb... JBB pole lugenud ühtegi teist "Minu..." sarja raamatut ja antud juhul on see mu meelest hea - raamat on värske.
Lõppkokkuvõttes võin öelda, et Justin üllatas mind selle raamatuga, nii isiklikus plaanis (mis sa siis sellest üles kirjutasid! :)) kui ka kirjanikuna üllatas ta mind (sest ma saan aru, et mina polnud ainus, kes algusest lõpuni ühe hooga pidi selle alla neelama ning lõppeks jäi sisse mingi kummaline lumm). Õiguppolest ma ju teadsin ammu, et Justinis on see MISKI. Juba siis, kui ma ta muusikat esimest korda kuulasin - ja ma tean siiani, et pärituule korral võiks ta olla rahvusvaheliselt populaarne muusik. Ainult et ta ei ole ise kunagi seda tuult otsinud.
Mul on hea meel, et mul on õnnestunud kirjastamisalaselt ja oma tegelaskujuga talle seda pärituult pakkuda :).
April 10, 2019
I choose this book because I am visiting Tallinn next month and I wanted to find a book about Estonia. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of books by Estonian authors translated into english. I felt after reading this book that I learned something about Estonia, it's history, culture, and attitude, but I still wouldn't recommend this book because the main character, Justin, who is also the author is annoying. He really does not paint himself in a good light. He is very whinny thought the book and is just kind of stumbling through life. He gets angry at Epp for immature reasons. I also couldn't stand how he wrote about women. The male gaze is strong in this book. I don't take issue with writing about sexuality or sexual desire, but this was more the writing of the internal conflict inside a teenage boys mind. Why include so often in the book how horny you are when the bank teller has a too-tight shirt or that all the Estonian women are wearing sundresses on a warm day? It just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the book. These parts were just randomly thrown in and dwelled upon. Was this guy 23 or 13 years old?
December 26, 2020
I spent 7 weeks in Estonia for work and wanted a bit of a nostalgia trip, so I got around to reading this memoir I picked up.
At first, I found it difficult to move past how the author whines about meat jelly and blood sausage - eye-rolling typical American tourist insensitivity. But then as I read on, I started to find myself in his shoes. I felt like a young, idealistic journalist trying to find the way to live his life, and rolling with the many twists and turns that life took him, from New York to Finland to finally, Estonia. Brutally honest words helped the anxiety and hopefulness leap off the page. Reading about how someone at the tender age of 23 had their life turned inside-out and upside-down was both comforting and exciting. I thought the writing was quite good and made me feel like I was on the scene. I was transported back to the restaurants around Tallinn, away from Old Town, chatting with stony-faced Estonians who turned into childhood friends after one or two glasses of wine.
If you want a simple, feel-good read, learn about the beautiful country of Estonia and its wonderful people, and see glimpses of everyday culture in between, this is a good book to pick up.
At first, I found it difficult to move past how the author whines about meat jelly and blood sausage - eye-rolling typical American tourist insensitivity. But then as I read on, I started to find myself in his shoes. I felt like a young, idealistic journalist trying to find the way to live his life, and rolling with the many twists and turns that life took him, from New York to Finland to finally, Estonia. Brutally honest words helped the anxiety and hopefulness leap off the page. Reading about how someone at the tender age of 23 had their life turned inside-out and upside-down was both comforting and exciting. I thought the writing was quite good and made me feel like I was on the scene. I was transported back to the restaurants around Tallinn, away from Old Town, chatting with stony-faced Estonians who turned into childhood friends after one or two glasses of wine.
If you want a simple, feel-good read, learn about the beautiful country of Estonia and its wonderful people, and see glimpses of everyday culture in between, this is a good book to pick up.
October 13, 2019
This book is very endearing!
A New Yorker meets a girl, moves to Estonia and tries to find his way through writing, teaching and a new culture.
Justin and Epp felt like friends I would like to have dinner with. I am very happy that Justin‘s story wasn’t just a superficial comparison between American and Estonian culture. He takes you to life in the capital but also to rural areas. We get to experience Estonian families and friendships. Moreover, Justin is very vulnerable about his feelings for Estonia and his relationship with Epp. I really appreciated that!
A New Yorker meets a girl, moves to Estonia and tries to find his way through writing, teaching and a new culture.
Justin and Epp felt like friends I would like to have dinner with. I am very happy that Justin‘s story wasn’t just a superficial comparison between American and Estonian culture. He takes you to life in the capital but also to rural areas. We get to experience Estonian families and friendships. Moreover, Justin is very vulnerable about his feelings for Estonia and his relationship with Epp. I really appreciated that!
February 24, 2018
„ Minu Eesti“... algas „Minu Soomega“, jätkus „ Minu Inglismaaga“... ja kui oli Justini Eesti kord, siis iseloomustas loetut sõnapaar „Minu Epp“. Hästi lühidalt ja pinnapealselt jättis raamat mulle sellise mulje. Samas oli tore lugeda, kuidas näeb välismaalt tulnud inimene minu kodumaad ning rahvust ja ajalugu. Mitte lihtsalt keegi võõrast riigist külla tulnud, vaid keegi, kes armastab kedagi, kes on Eesti osa. Eesti naist :). Justin Petrone kirjutab ausalt, hästi ja jätab sooja mulje.
July 29, 2018
This book was basically a romance, but I read it for the descriptions of an American moving to Estonia. It was cool to hear his experiences - especially what was different culturally from America and his travels within Estonia. I am interested to see how my adjustment differs from his. There were a few typos in the book (wrong form of your, double words...), but besides that it was a fun and applicable read.
January 3, 2021
I have enjoyed this book being a testimony to estonian culture and habits from outsiders perspective.
Having stayed in Estonia for 3 months it really brought some fuzzy feelings and nostalgia.
I also ejoyed the act the story is based on true events from authors' life. It does show it has been his first attempt to a novel, but despite few parts that appeared a bit mundane - glorifying Estonia's history and people, it as still very informative and nice to read.
Having stayed in Estonia for 3 months it really brought some fuzzy feelings and nostalgia.
I also ejoyed the act the story is based on true events from authors' life. It does show it has been his first attempt to a novel, but despite few parts that appeared a bit mundane - glorifying Estonia's history and people, it as still very informative and nice to read.
November 23, 2018
Like Justin’s wife, I as well am an Estonian girl who’s boyfriend is considering moving to Estonia, which made reading this book fun and informative. It’s an easy and fast read, and it was interesting to see how much Estonia has changed in the time since this book was written (2002 or 2003?). It made me appreciate some aspects of my small country that I hadn’t thought about before.
September 29, 2019
Nach 1 1/2 Jahren habe ich endlich mal "My Estonia" zu Ende gelesen. Ja, es gibt einen guten Grund, warum es so lange gedauert hat: Es gibt leider ziemlich viel kitschige Liebesgeschichte und weniger um Land und Leute. Trotzdem: Wenn man Estland mag, kann man das Buch nicht total doof finden. (Man merkt aber halt, daß es auf einem Blog - und nicht gerade auf dem Besten - basiert.)
March 2, 2023
Huvitav lugemine, et kuidas keegi teine arvab sinu kodumaast. Rääkis rohkem kahe inimese vahelisest suhtest kui Eestist endast. Huvitav oli lugeda kultuurilistest erinevustest ameeriklaste ja eestlaste vahel.
June 24, 2017
a recent blog by Justine Petrone mentioned a divorce ,so I am not sure I would like to read follow up book2,maybe book 3 to understand better what went on those years .
November 13, 2024
Justin ainult vingus ja virises. Hämmastas ka tema ja Epu omavaheline suhtlus. Päris kohutav lugemine oli ja ei jõudnud ära oodata kuni läbi sai.
November 17, 2017
A good-natured and light introduction to Estonia with many true observations.
"Minu Eesti. Kas lubate elada?" (My Estonia. Will You Allow Me to Live Here?) is the 1st volume of Justin Petrone's memoir of his relationship with Estonia after meeting his future wife Epp Petrone (nee Saluveer) when they were both on a Finnish junket in 2003 for foreign journalists where Justin represents the USA and Epp was there from Estonia. The memoir was originally written in English as My Estonia. Passport Forgery, Meat Jelly Eaters, And Other Stories.
Both books are issued in the hugely successful Estonian travel series of books published by Petrone Print called Minu... (My...) where an Estonian traveller or ex-patriot writes about their experiences of living in or visiting a foreign city, country or region. The series now numbers 106 books published as of November 2017 in the 10 years since Epp Petrone self-published her own Minu Ameerika. Reportaaže ja pihtimusi 2003-2006 (Minu..., # 1). (My America, Reports and Confessions 2003-2006 #1) because other publishers did not want to take a risk on that sort of niche publishing.
Justin Petrone's "My Estonia" fits into the series as it is a foreigner's experience adjusting to a new relationship and a new country. It is full of good-natured "fish out of water" stories of Petrone's experiences with the people, customs, food and drink etc. Probably the funniest and most absurd circumstance is when Petrone goes to a village store with his future niece-in-law 5 year-old Simona with his only very basic knowledge of Estonian to back him up. The little girl was in the habit of gathering branches and twigs for stove and sauna fire starting with her own father during similar walks. Nobody explained this to Petrone of course and he is increasingly mystified by the unwieldy bundle of twigs that the girl has gathered by the time they reach the store. A passing local resident has to help him to convince the girl to relinquish her load.
"Minu Eesti. Kas lubate elada?" (My Estonia. Will You Allow Me to Live Here?) is the 1st volume of Justin Petrone's memoir of his relationship with Estonia after meeting his future wife Epp Petrone (nee Saluveer) when they were both on a Finnish junket in 2003 for foreign journalists where Justin represents the USA and Epp was there from Estonia. The memoir was originally written in English as My Estonia. Passport Forgery, Meat Jelly Eaters, And Other Stories.
Both books are issued in the hugely successful Estonian travel series of books published by Petrone Print called Minu... (My...) where an Estonian traveller or ex-patriot writes about their experiences of living in or visiting a foreign city, country or region. The series now numbers 106 books published as of November 2017 in the 10 years since Epp Petrone self-published her own Minu Ameerika. Reportaaže ja pihtimusi 2003-2006 (Minu..., # 1). (My America, Reports and Confessions 2003-2006 #1) because other publishers did not want to take a risk on that sort of niche publishing.
Justin Petrone's "My Estonia" fits into the series as it is a foreigner's experience adjusting to a new relationship and a new country. It is full of good-natured "fish out of water" stories of Petrone's experiences with the people, customs, food and drink etc. Probably the funniest and most absurd circumstance is when Petrone goes to a village store with his future niece-in-law 5 year-old Simona with his only very basic knowledge of Estonian to back him up. The little girl was in the habit of gathering branches and twigs for stove and sauna fire starting with her own father during similar walks. Nobody explained this to Petrone of course and he is increasingly mystified by the unwieldy bundle of twigs that the girl has gathered by the time they reach the store. A passing local resident has to help him to convince the girl to relinquish her load.
September 14, 2013
Jutt oli nunnu, aga pigem sellise armuloo poolest mitte kui Eestit tutvustav raamat. Naljatleva tooniga kirjutatud ehk siis sai natukene hambaid lõgistada küll. Mugav vahepala teaduslikule kirjandusele.
Mõned huvitavamad lõigud:
Lk 32 „Arvasin, et asjade sorteerimine on üks Epu veidrusi. Hiljem selgus, et see on eestlaste rahvuslik meelelahutus.“
Lk 80 „Ta tegi meile teed ja istus siis diivanile, et telekast muusikasaadet vaadata. Üks hõljuvate juustega ja suure konna moodi mees möirgas meeskoori ees. „On koit, kuninglik loit, valguse võit äratab maa!“ Mõistagi ei saanud ma sõnakestki aru, mida ta laulab. Helle aga oli tema laulmist vaadates väga emotsionaalne ja pühkis silmanurgast pisara.“
Lk 274 „Andres pidas tühjal Tallinn-Tartu maanteel auto kinni. Kusagil ei paistnud kutsuvaid põõsaid ja puid, ainult lage väli. Kusagil kauguses kuulsin lehma ammumist. Seisime Indreku ja Urmasega kolmekesi kõrvui ja ajasime oma asju. „Mees on ikka hea olla,“ ütles Indrek. „Terve maailm on meie peldik.“ Just siis helises mu telefon. Epp helistas. „Kus sa oled? Kell on peaaegu kolm öösel,“ ütles ta. „Vabandust, kallis, et ma varem ei helistanud,“ lalisesin ma. „Mul olid väga huvitavad intervjuud.“ „Ma olen voodis ja mul on väga paha olla. Kas sa oled ikka veel Paides?“ „Ei. Ma kusen põllul reas koos karja Eesti rokistaaridega.“ „Kõlab hästi,“ naeris ta. „Tore, et sa viimaks mõne sõbra leidsid.“
Mõned huvitavamad lõigud:
Lk 32 „Arvasin, et asjade sorteerimine on üks Epu veidrusi. Hiljem selgus, et see on eestlaste rahvuslik meelelahutus.“
Lk 80 „Ta tegi meile teed ja istus siis diivanile, et telekast muusikasaadet vaadata. Üks hõljuvate juustega ja suure konna moodi mees möirgas meeskoori ees. „On koit, kuninglik loit, valguse võit äratab maa!“ Mõistagi ei saanud ma sõnakestki aru, mida ta laulab. Helle aga oli tema laulmist vaadates väga emotsionaalne ja pühkis silmanurgast pisara.“
Lk 274 „Andres pidas tühjal Tallinn-Tartu maanteel auto kinni. Kusagil ei paistnud kutsuvaid põõsaid ja puid, ainult lage väli. Kusagil kauguses kuulsin lehma ammumist. Seisime Indreku ja Urmasega kolmekesi kõrvui ja ajasime oma asju. „Mees on ikka hea olla,“ ütles Indrek. „Terve maailm on meie peldik.“ Just siis helises mu telefon. Epp helistas. „Kus sa oled? Kell on peaaegu kolm öösel,“ ütles ta. „Vabandust, kallis, et ma varem ei helistanud,“ lalisesin ma. „Mul olid väga huvitavad intervjuud.“ „Ma olen voodis ja mul on väga paha olla. Kas sa oled ikka veel Paides?“ „Ei. Ma kusen põllul reas koos karja Eesti rokistaaridega.“ „Kõlab hästi,“ naeris ta. „Tore, et sa viimaks mõne sõbra leidsid.“
November 24, 2014
Ma ei tea, kas põhjus oli selles, et see raamat on niivõrd üle(s) haibitud. Sellest, et mu ootused olid tänu positiivsetele arvamustele ülikõrged? Selles, et mu eelmine raamat - Julie ja Julia põhines samuti koomikal, mis tulenes peategelase saamatusest; Sellest, et mulle ei meeldi peeglist vastu vaatav pilt...? Ma ei tea. Ma saan aru, et saan järgnevalt hakkama pühaduseteotusega. Aga ma tegelikult pettusin.
Eelkõige häirib mind selle raamatu stilistiline ebaühtlus. Paralleelselt jookseb 3 raamatut. Näpuotsaga ameeriklaste juhtumisi Eestis, Minu Epp- kena armastuslugu ja Epu Eesti ehk siis Epu üldistused eestlastest ja oma perest.
Esimene, ehk Minu Eesti- muudab kurvaks ja nõutuks.
Loe edasi
http://indigoaalane.blogspot.com/2009...
Eelkõige häirib mind selle raamatu stilistiline ebaühtlus. Paralleelselt jookseb 3 raamatut. Näpuotsaga ameeriklaste juhtumisi Eestis, Minu Epp- kena armastuslugu ja Epu Eesti ehk siis Epu üldistused eestlastest ja oma perest.
Esimene, ehk Minu Eesti- muudab kurvaks ja nõutuks.
Loe edasi
http://indigoaalane.blogspot.com/2009...
December 9, 2016
I bought this book after meeting the author in Viljandi for obvious reasons, the life of an expat in Estonia is pretty much what my existence has been about for the past near two years. As whenever I read a book about a destination that is not necessarily a travel book, I wondered what was I going to find. I happened to find a love story with touches of cultural clashes here and there, some of which resemble my own experience.
It was a nice and easy read, fun at times and definitely a must if you want to have a better idea of what Estonia is about, particularly if you planning on spending more than a couple days here.
It was a nice and easy read, fun at times and definitely a must if you want to have a better idea of what Estonia is about, particularly if you planning on spending more than a couple days here.
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