Institutsionaliseeritud atavism. Märkmeid 2009. aasta eesti kirjanduskriitika kohta
An Institutionalized Atavism: A Few Notes on Estonian Literary Criticism in 2009

Summary/Abstract: Estonian literary criticism of 2009 is analysed. In the author’s opinion, the local cultural situation where reading and books are getting increasingly more marginal is turning literary criticism into almost an atavism – having no obvious purpose, but still produced, and even read, out of habit. Unfortunately, Estonian literary criticism is not exactly thrilling as reading material. The prevalent trend seems to favour descriptive single-book reviews without much real criticism in them. There is acute shortage of generalization, wider context and comparative analysis. Moreover, there are very few people in Estonia worthy to be called professional critics, which leaves most of the ground to „hobby-critics”. Only a few authors capable of generalization stand out against this drab background, some for provoking polemics, some others for keeping their own line. Kärt Hellerma leads a crusade for a right to think and write different, Berk Vaher persists in his self-willed critical attitude, Paavo Matsin, Jaak Tomberg, Jan Kaus, Peeter Helme and some others offer fascinating analyses and philosophical discussion of their favourite topics. Positive words have been found for Kaarel Kressa and Mari Peegel whose devoted tandem work for the daily Eesti Päevaleht. High-quality criticism, also making enjoyable reading, can mostly be found in the magazine Vikerkaar and the cultural weekly Sirp.

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