Sinijärv recommends fossil guide and Estonian Swedish novel series

ERR reports that National Library cultural adviser Karl Martin Sinijärv has recommended Erik Abner’s “Fossils of Estonia” and two books from Anneli Fichtelius’s “Seafarers” novel series.

A guide to Estonia’s fossils

Erik Abner’s “Fossils of Estonia: A Beginner Fossil Hunter’s Guide”, published by Argo, explains how to find fossils and interpret what they reveal. Sinijärv praises the book’s engaging style, abundant photographs and illustrations, and focus on Estonia.

He says a single book could not cover the fossils of the entire world, but describes Abner’s work as an excellent starting point. The book has already reached a second edition, which Sinijärv notes has been corrected and expanded.

Sinijärv calls “Fossils of Estonia” one of the most enjoyable popular science books published in recent years and encourages readers to take it along on fossil-hunting trips while summer lasts.

A story of Estonia’s Swedish-speaking community

Fichtelius’s “Seafarers” series has reached its second book in Estonian with “The Organ Player’s Daughter” and “The Shipowner’s Wife”, published by Rahva Raamat. Sinijärv recommends the novels and says he is already waiting for the third instalment.

He describes the books as well-written, gripping and substantial novels about the lives of Estonia’s Swedish-speaking community in the latter half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century.

Sinijärv says the work is large in scope, “Tammsaare-like” in some respects, including its period, while also being thoroughly contemporary. He notes that Estonia has had communities with long histories that have since largely disappeared from the country, including the Estonian Swedes, whose role in Estonian life was once natural but who are now mainly part of the past.

He adds that remembering the past can help people see the future more clearly, while describing the novels as a highly enjoyable reading experience.