Tõnu Oja, an Estonian actor and poet, discusses the mixed responses to his poetry, including receiving threatening letters after achieving notable book sales.
Tõnu Oja, also known by his pen name Laur Lomper, has made waves in the literary world with two of his poetry books appearing in the top ten bestselling books in Estonia last year. While he has received much love from readers, the poet has also faced backlash, including threatening letters from some individuals who demand he consider the implications of his words, suggesting they know his home address. This reaction highlights the polarizing nature of art and poetry, where success can come with both admiration and criticism.
Despite the controversies, Oja noted that Estonian readers appear to maintain a strong interest in literature, with projections indicating a sales figure of around 190,000 books in 2025, consistent with the previous year. The presence of popular authors such as Kivirähk, Vadi, and Hargla in the bestseller lists shows a vibrant literary scene, yet the dual success of Oja’s poetry books presents a unique anomaly in the landscape of contemporary Estonian literature.
In a personal encounter with the poet, who now enjoys his retirement away from formal theater roles, Oja reflected on his life and work, including a recent fishing trip in Vääna-Jõesuu. His transition into retirement from acting has not diminished his creative output, and as he continues to engage with literary circles, the response to his work serves as a reminder of both the power and the potential consequences of poetry in society.
