Elin Toona, the recipient of the Cultural Capital's lifetime achievement award in literature, has expressed that her return to Estonia has significantly contributed to her comprehension of her identity as a person. The article highlights her recognition of the emotional complexities involved in coming back to a place that she had not fully experienced for much of her life, emphasizing her ties to her family in Tallinn and Haapsalu. Toona's journey was a longer one, having fled with her mother and grandmother from Haapsalu to Sweden during World War II in 1944.

In addition to her personal insights, the article also touches on Toona's literary contributions, which have illuminated the fate of Estonians in the aftermath of World War II. Her novels play a crucial role in sharing the narratives of her people and preserving cultural memories, particularly the legacy of her grandfather, Ernst Enno, a notable Estonian writer. The piece suggests that her literary work not only underscores her heritage but also serves as a bridge connecting Estonia's past with its present.

Toona's reflections also lead to a broader contemplation about identity, belonging, and the sense of home. After settling back in Estonia five years ago, she navigates the emotional landscape of her formative years and the new experiences that come with embracing her roots. This story holds significance in the understanding of cultural identity, especially in the context of Estonian history and the dispersed communities of Estonians around the world that continue to grapple with their connections to their homeland.