“The Butterfly Man & Other Stories” by Mehis Heinsaar is a slim (a mere 78 pages!) yet striking collection that blends magical realism with wry, laugh-out-loud humor and a keen sense of human vulnerability.
Comprising three surreal tales, the book introduces us to characters who undergo strange and poetic transformations: emitting butterflies, turning invisible, or slowly merging with a café chair while gestating a poem. Each story unfolds like a modern fairytale – absurd yet emotionally grounded, never so surreal as to feel too “out there”. My favorite was the last story, “The High Season,” in which the revered and antisocial poet Robert H. becomes “pregnant” with a Great Poem and sits in stillness in a café to deliver it, while a group of devoted followers ensures he always has coffee. The story is both poignant and consistently hilarious.
Though the book is short, it leaves behind vivid imagery and a lingering emotional resonance. It strikes a perfect balance between being a light, whimsical read and offering something thoughtful to chew on. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it made my bus ride from Tartu to Tallinn feel just a little more magical.
So far, it’s the best translation from Estonian to English I’ve read, thanks to the excellent work of translators Tiina Randviir and Adam Cullen. Hence, it’s a highly recommended read for anyone looking to get a small taste of Estonian literature.
***
Published: Paper + Ink, 2018
Translator: Tiina Randviir, Adam Cullen
Check availability in our libraries : “The butterfly man & other stories” in ESTER
Mirt Vissak, Tallinn Pelguranna Library
