Igapäevase nähtuse taastootmine: 2017. ja 2018. aasta kriitikaülevaade
Reproduction of an Everyday Practice: A Survey of the Literary Criticism Published in 2017 and 2018

Summary/Abstract: The survey addresses the literary criticism published in 2017 and 2018 in the publications of SA Kultuurileht. For the sake of objectivity, a statistical approach was applied. Out of the 388 reviews, 144 appeared in the cultural weekly Sirp, 87 in the literary magazine Looming, 70 in the cultural magazine Vikerkaar, 38 in the journal Keel ja Kirjandus, 31 in the literary magazine Värske Rõhk and 18 in the cultural monthly Müürileht. Although there is an equal number of texts from male and female critics, only 32 percent of the reviews dealt with works by female authors. Moreover, male critics reviewed female authors in only eight percent of all cases. This confirms the fact also noted in some earlier surveys: the relationships between authors and reviewers are rather predictable. Out of the reviews, 77 percent dealt with original works and 23 percent with translations. The least attention was paid to translated poetry, which received but 13 reviews over the two-year period. As for the original poetry and prose, the output was more or less equal (111 vs 136 reviews, respectively). The greatest number of reviews (six) were earned by Neverland by Urmas Vadi. Regrettably, few reviews were dedicated to debuts and prize-winners, which have, however, received some attention from private media and book blogs. In addition, the article analyses the styles of the three most prolific critics, highlights the brightest reviews from the period and introduces the critics with the most engaging style of writing. By way of conclusion, some recommendations are offered regarding how editors and critics could contribute to the general improvement of our reviewing culture.

• Details
• Contents