The View from Here Paperback - 2011

There is a human curiosity to know where you have come from in order to know where you are going. On the journey historical and political events shape our lives. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of Estonia says, 'It is not the depth of the crisis but rather our behaviour during the crisis that will show us who we truly are.' 'The view from here' explores below the surface of compelling family stories, of what people today do not talk about, maybe do not know enough facts to talk about, and which will be forgotten when the older generation is gone. Why do they hold onto their truths? A framework of a family's departure from Estonia to Sweden and then arrival in Australia provides the foundation for an exploration of historical and political events, culture and heritage by Estonians seeking freedom from Soviet occupation. The approach is to base the history and politics on a wide range of observations and reports by notable figures of the time to serve as a foundation and act as a resource for furthering research, education and understanding of what being a migrant and an Estonian involves. In addition personal experiences are included of the journey of discovery of one's heritage under themes of lost time, lost in translation, eastern borders, heritage and independence relating to Estonia; Australia's and Sweden's reception of migrants; and adjustments to living as a migrant in Sweden and Australia. The family's mementos are held by the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney.