- Reading suggestion
- 8 July 2021
Readers of Europe 2021 - Estonian recommendation
Readers of Europe - recommendation by the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU
Book selected: Border State by Tônu Onnepalu
The esteemed Estonian author Tônu Onnepalu drives us to the depths of loneliness, delusion and murder in his utterly absorbing novel Border State.
He crafts a narrative that is abstract, evocative and poignant. The text comprises a series of letters written by an unnamed Estonian man during the year he spends in Paris. The letters are addressed to a confidant named Angelo. Each letter adds layers to the man's testimony and, little by little, you realise that the letters are, in actual fact, confessions to something altogether more sinister - murder.
However, do not be fooled into thinking that this book is a mere murder mystery. For this is a profound novel that dares to ask difficult questions. Primarily around issues of identity.
The book is set just after the collapse of the Soviet Union. At that time, the peoples of the former Soviet bloc were compelled to ask themselves existential questions about their nations' new place in the world, and how the rest of the world viewed them. This experience is mirrored in the book. In this context, the young writer of the letters tries to explore and understand the political upheavals in eastern Europe, reassessing his place in society and how he should lead his life.
The writer feels lost in the wider world. He has lost his homeland and has scars from a previous relationship. A sense of loneliness permeates the narrative as he seeks the answers to the crucial human question of belonging.
Before publishing Border State, Õnnepalu published several collections of poetry. His poetic instinct really shows in the richness of language used in the book. The text is lyrical, intense and compelling.
This is a novel that defies conventional descriptions and offers astute observations about life for many Europeans at that time. It deserves to be read.
Border State was originally published under the pseudonym Emil Tode. Following its publication, it received the annual literary award given by the Baltic Assembly, the most prestigious literary award in the Baltic countries. It has been translated into more than a dozen languages
For those looking to unearth other Estonian literary gems, discover more via Eureka, the online catalogue of the Council libraries.
About the Readers of Europe campaign - Travel across Europe through literature
Through the long months of winter, in the darkest depths of the pandemic, the thought of traveling again was a guiding light for many sailing towards uncertain shores.
Although people were confined to their homes, many made epic voyages in uncharted lands with the aid of an old friend - books. For many, books were used as an invaluable coping measure to help deal with the psychosocial strain of being confined. Reading has helped people in Europe and around the world to cope with isolation during enduring lockdowns, and deal with the uncertainty about the future.
Summer 2021 has a more hopeful feel than last year. Rising vaccination rates and the EU Digital COVID Certificate will hopefully facilitate safe free movement of citizens in the EU.
But situations can change quickly during pandemics. Some people may prefer to have staycations in their country of residence. But whether you are voyaging at home or overseas, the Council Library has found a 'budget' way to enable everyone to visit Europe.
This summer, the Council Library will whisk you away across the continent, moving not only across the Member States, but in and out of time as well.
We have once again invited colleagues from the Permanent Representations to the EU to make recommendations for books to read over the summer, with the second edition of our 'Readers of Europe' campaign. The theme for this year's campaign is 'Travel across Europe through literature'.
The literary pit stops on this tour will shine a light on some of Europe's hidden charms, visiting places that are both eerily familiar and profoundly new. The works selected cover a broad range of genres, from contemporary to classic. Stories that penetrate deeply and consume entirely. Stories with strange beauty, nostalgia, mystery and love. Stories that showcase the vast wealth of European literature.
The itinerary is set. No passport is needed to go on this trip. The only 'carry-on' permitted is books and bookmarks (and maybe a cup of tea).
Join us as we travel across Europe through literature, as we once again encounter the Readers of Europe.
For more information about the EU Digital CVOID certificate, please see the
This post does not necessarily represent the positions, policies, or opinions of the Council of the European Union or the European Council.
The Council Library reading room is currently closed. The Info Desk remains open online and will reply to queries by email from Monday to Friday, 10.00 to 16.00.