Although I’m in principle not a fan of fiction, I gladly make an exception for this book. (until now I’ve only read part 1 of the three volumes – I’m sure the other two will follow quickly.)
Here, I will not dive into the overall rich content of the book, with e.g. the psychological insights displayed by the key-person, the young Balthazar. I limit myself to the fact that the novel is an interesting investigation of the creation of an Estonian awareness. This awareness is centered around the specific Estonian language and the absence of a specific Estonian nobility in the 16th century. The Estonian peasants are under attack from different plagues (Muscovites, Swedes, Germans and some others) and have to re-think to which plague they will swear allegiance. When will the idea surge that they could remain loyal to themselves ?
