The title of this book, Estonian Jokes, could have two different meanings. First, an Estonian joke may be a joke told by others about Estonians, and Estonians often offer a tempting target for such jokes. The second meaning of Estonian Jokes is that this is a collection of jokes told by Estonians. The truth is that in the case of this book, both of these meanings apply. These are jokes told by Estonians, and often about Estonians. Sometimes they are cutting, especially when they skewer some of the more unattractive characteristics of Estonians, but mostly they are self-deprecating and funny to the very people who are being made fun of. Estonians have lived in present-day Estonia for at least 5000 years. Their language is part of the Finno-Ugri family, with Finnish being the closest relative. Since the 1200s the region of Estonia has been invaded and occupied many times by Germans, Danes, Swedes, and Russians. The miracle is that Estonia continues to exist as a unique culture. The uniqueness of the culture is defined in many ways, including an ethnic humor, and it is this character that is captured in this book. There are essentially three different types of Estonian jokes, mirroring the often traumatic national history. The first broad epoch in Estonian history, Old Estonia, includes the period of subjugation to German nobility and the Russian Tsar, which ended with the war for independence and eventual establishment of the free republic of Estonia in 1918. This independence lasted only a short 20 years before the Russians once again invaded. The second period in Estonian history the Soviet Time, beginning about 1939 with the occupation of Estonia, and ending in 1991 with the (re)declaration of independence. The third period in this book is the modern time, or New Estonia. The jokes in the first section, Old Estonia, define the Estonian character during those times, while the jokes during the Soviet Time describe the oppressive conditions that existed for over 50 years of occupation. Finally, Estonian humor has been released from previous constraints and now reflects the freedom to tell stories that are in the character of modern Estonia.
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About the Author
P. Aarne Vesilind is an Estonian-American who lives in New London, NH, but spends considerable time in Estonia.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
For Swashbucklers and Raconteurs,
This review is from: Estonian Jokes (Paperback)
Estonia distinguishes itself among nations of the world by being the only one which does not have a single stand-up comedy club (Iran's first club opened last spring in a backroom at a Tehran Pizza Hut). This of course does not mean that Estonians are not funny, though it might mean they don't laugh. Or they laugh only in carefully guarded moments, out behind the barn when they think no one's looking.
While the Nobel jury may have its panties in a bind over the worthiness of American writers, they would do well to take a deep breath and award some sort of prize to P. Aarne Vesilind for daring to explore the dark reaches of Estonian humor without headlamp or firearm. Well done, Mr. Vesilind. And I'll say this for P. Aarne Vesilind: In addition to his ability to tell a joke, he is one of the few writers covering Estonia who can properly conjugate the verb "to be." (On the same day I acquired ESTONIAN JOKES, I purchased another Estonian-themed book, HARD LANDING--for twice the price of Mr. Vesilind's book--and it wasn't even half as funny.) Vesilind, a talented water skier and fencer, also did the cover art on this book. He truly may be the last of a swashbuckling breed of Estonians. Highly recommended. Don't wait for Christmas.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Estonian humor,
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This review is from: Estonian Jokes (Paperback)
If you are Estonian this is an extemely funny book. It is not easy to find an Estonian Joke books. Finding this book was a wonderful surprise, it is memorable, and quick read. I recommend this book.
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