Piret Jaaks named Author of the Year for novel Päikeseuskujad

Piret Jaaks was named Estonia’s Author of the Year for her novel Päikeseuskujad at the Eesti Kirjanik 2026 festival held on Saturday at the Juhan Liiv Museum in Alatskivi, ERR reported.

Set around 200 years ago, the novel follows the coastal Swedes of Vormsi. It explores the history of a little-known community in present-day Estonia and its struggle to survive on the edge of the Russian Empire.

The story has a historical basis, and the Stackelberg noble family once deemed it necessary to submit a letter apologising for an injustice committed in connection with the events.

Through the experiences of two sisters, the novel examines women’s choices and opportunities at the beginning of the 19th century. The women are not portrayed as victims, but as active figures shaping their own fate and that of their community.

Because light and darkness recur as strong motifs in the novel, Jaaks received a fire striker from the Liiv household as her prize.

The Estonian Author of the Year award has been presented since 2010. Previous recipients include Vahur Afanasjev, Meelis Friedenthal, Urmas Vadi, Elo-Maria Roots, Jan Kaus, Kai Aareleid, Mihkel Mutt, Eva Koff, Andrei Hvostov, Susan Luitsalu, Kiwa, Lilli Luuk and Kairi Look.

This year’s festival focused on the periphery, including writing in dialects and geographical and cultural margins. The programme also featured Triinu Laan, Reeli Reinaus, Mario Pulver, Kaisa Kuslapuu, Maryliis Teinfeldt-Grins, Mikk Tšaškin, Indrek Hargla, Rahel Ariel Kaur, Elle-Mari Talivee and Sensatsiooniline Tartu Kevadbänd.