Names in Marble
Encyclopedia
Names in Marble is a war novel written by the Estonia
n writer Albert Kivikas
. It was published in 1936, and its subject is the Estonian War of Independence. Kivikas was awarded for Names in Marble by the Estonian Literature Society. It is one the best-known works of Estonian literature
. In 2002 a film
based on the novel was released.
and communism
are portrayed. The book also portrays the uncertainty among Estonians at that period about the future of the country.
join the Estonian Army (most students join immediately). In the beginning, Henn Ahas hesitates but after his hometown is attacked he joins the army. In the first part, the political and economic situation of the nation is described through the group of students. The second part contains autobiographical references and describes the situation at the war front, and the experiences of soldiers. The third part of the novel focuses on the final stage of the war and in particular the Treaty of Tartu
, which recognised the independence of Estonia. The book ends with the group of students returning to their homes.
In 2002 a film of the same name
and based on the novel was released in Estonia. It was directed by Elmo Nüganen, and Priit Võigemast
starred as the main character Henn Ahas. Names in Marble is the highest budgeted Estonian feature film and the most successful film in Estonia in terms of box office profits.
Estonia
Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
n writer Albert Kivikas
Albert Kivikas
Albert Kivikas was an Estonian writer and journalist. He is best known as the author of the book "Names in Marble" , the subject of which is the Estonian War of Independence.- Life :...
. It was published in 1936, and its subject is the Estonian War of Independence. Kivikas was awarded for Names in Marble by the Estonian Literature Society. It is one the best-known works of Estonian literature
Estonian literature
Estonian literature refers to literature written in the Estonian language The domination of Estonia after the Northern Crusades, from the 13th century to 1918 by Germany, Sweden, and Russia resulted few early written literary works in Estonian language. The oldest records of written Estonian...
. In 2002 a film
Names in Marble (film)
Names in Marble is an Estonian 2002 film directed by Elmo Nüganen. It is based on the novel of the same name written by Albert Kivikas in 1936 about the Estonian War of Independence fought in 1918-1920.-Cast:* Henn Ahas – Priit Võigemast...
based on the novel was released.
Background
Names in Marble is based on the personal experiences of Albert Kivikas during the Estonian War of Independence. Through the main characters of the book, the two major political movements of the era, nationalismNationalism
Nationalism is a political ideology that involves a strong identification of a group of individuals with a political entity defined in national terms, i.e. a nation. In the 'modernist' image of the nation, it is nationalism that creates national identity. There are various definitions for what...
and communism
Communism
Communism is a social, political and economic ideology that aims at the establishment of a classless, moneyless, revolutionary and stateless socialist society structured upon common ownership of the means of production...
are portrayed. The book also portrays the uncertainty among Estonians at that period about the future of the country.
Plot summary
The novel is divided in three parts. The main characters of the novel are two brothers, Henn and Juhan Ahas. In the first part, set at the beginning of the war, a group of students from TartuTartu
Tartu is the second largest city of Estonia. In contrast to Estonia's political and financial capital Tallinn, Tartu is often considered the intellectual and cultural hub, especially since it is home to Estonia's oldest and most renowned university. Situated 186 km southeast of Tallinn, the...
join the Estonian Army (most students join immediately). In the beginning, Henn Ahas hesitates but after his hometown is attacked he joins the army. In the first part, the political and economic situation of the nation is described through the group of students. The second part contains autobiographical references and describes the situation at the war front, and the experiences of soldiers. The third part of the novel focuses on the final stage of the war and in particular the Treaty of Tartu
Treaty of Tartu (Russian–Estonian)
Tartu Peace Treaty or Treaty of Tartu was a peace treaty between Estonia and Russian SFSR signed on February 2, 1920 ending the Estonian War of Independence. The terms of the treaty stated that "Russia unreservedly recognises" the independence of Republic of Estonia de jure and renounced in...
, which recognised the independence of Estonia. The book ends with the group of students returning to their homes.
Theatrical and film adaptions
In 1937 Albert Kivikas was awarded by the Estonian Literature Society for Names in Marble with the State Elder Award of 1937. This led in 1939 to the publication of a theatrical version of the novel. It was divided in three acts, and contained 109 pages. Names in Marble the play was directed by Ants Lauter and its premiere was on February 24, 1939. The role of Henn Ahas was played by Tees Koppel.In 2002 a film of the same name
Names in Marble (film)
Names in Marble is an Estonian 2002 film directed by Elmo Nüganen. It is based on the novel of the same name written by Albert Kivikas in 1936 about the Estonian War of Independence fought in 1918-1920.-Cast:* Henn Ahas – Priit Võigemast...
and based on the novel was released in Estonia. It was directed by Elmo Nüganen, and Priit Võigemast
Priit Võigemast
Priit Võigemast is an Estonian film, television and stage actor. Between 2002 and 2007 he has performed in the Ugala, Tallinna Linnateater and other theatres.- Ugala theatre performances :* 2002: "Niskamäe kired" – Antti...
starred as the main character Henn Ahas. Names in Marble is the highest budgeted Estonian feature film and the most successful film in Estonia in terms of box office profits.