Feb 9 • 06:00 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

The Book that Changed My Life | Johanna Roos and 'Sterne'

Johanna Roos discusses how Margit Lõhmus' collection 'Sterne' has significantly impacted her life and writing.

In Estonia's cultural context, particularly during the Year of the Estonian Book, cultural critic and writer Johanna Roos reflects on Margit Lõhmus' anthology 'Sterne', describing it as a transformative influence in her life and work. Roos expresses how reading 'Sterne' encouraged her to confront personal themes and emotions that she previously hesitated to explore in her writing. The book's raw and unfiltered approach influenced Roos as she began writing her debut poetry collection, 'Cycle'.

Roos highlights how 'Sterne' does not shy away from difficult topics such as menstruation and personal vulnerability, as well as embracing colloquial language and unconventional narrative styles. This boldness resonated with Roos, allowing her to embrace her own voice while creating her own artistic intentions. The authenticity and freedom exhibited in 'Sterne' provided a model for Roos, showcasing the power of literature to foster self-acceptance and challenge societal norms.

The discussion of 'Sterne' exemplifies how literature can serve as a mirror that reflects personal journeys and societal issues, encouraging readers to be true to themselves. As Roos emphasizes the importance of such works in contemporary discourse, she calls attention to the impact that diverse voices can have in literature, particularly in the Estonian context where storytelling and cultural representation play crucial roles in identity formation.

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