In a recent cultural program, author Tõnu Õnnepalu shared insights about his latest book, "Tööpäev" (Work Day), which centers on his life working in a plant nursery. He expressed that work has brought peace to Estonians both in the times of Tammsaare and in the present day, although he notes the essence of work has evolved over time, requiring individuals to seek inner peace more than ever.

Despite expectations that a book by a writer would deal with their office work and writing process, Õnnepalu explains that his narrative fundamentally revolves around the physical labor and experiences at the nursery, engaging with soil and plants and employing tools like shovels and machines. He criticizes the portrayal of writers in film as often dull and artificial, emphasizing the contrasting excitement of hands-on work compared to conventional literary pursuits.

Õnnepalu's shift to working in a plant nursery stemmed from a personal crisis in his career, where he sought purpose outside the confines of the writer's life. His narrative not only reflects a return to tangible work but also critiques societal perceptions of labor and its significance to one's well-being, providing a thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between work, identity, and fulfillment in modern society.