Ene Mihkelson

Ene Mihkelson (born 1944) is an award-winning Estonian writer.

Education

Mihkelson studied literature after completing her secondary education. She worked as a teacher and then as a researcher for the Estonian Literary Museum.

Literature

Mihkelson wrote throughout her life. She published her first literary piece in 1967. However, her first collection of poems did not appear until 1978. Her father opposed the Soviet forces in Estonia early in the 20th century. The authorities, therefore, did not approve of her.

Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, Mihkelson has published ten poetry anthologies. Her poetry lacks meter, rhythm and rhyme, but contains surprising inversions. It is known for its intensity, allegorical content and metaphysical topics.

Mihkelson has also published four novels, a selection of critical essays ("Kirjanduse seletusi", or "Explanations of Literature") and a collection of short stories ("Surma sünnipäev", or "The Birthday of Death").

Mihkelson's works frequently include allusions to her childhood, spent in hiding, Estonian mythology, and Estonian history] .

In 2006 she was awarded the Herder Prize.

ources

* [http://www.einst.ee/literary/spring2000/10_mihkelson.htm Estonian Literary Magazine]