The story explores the shattering destinies of these characters, in particular that of Otto Tief, who, through a series of tragic events, is swept up in a spiral of exile and captivity.
Xavier Bouvet skilfully portrays the crucial choices made in September 1944, decisions that have lifelong repercussions.
Beyond the historical intrigue, “Le Bateau Blanc” brings to light other fascinating figures who left their mark on this pivotal era.
Political figures such as former Prime Minister Jüri Uluots and President Päts, as well as literary eminences like the poetess Marie Under and the sulphurous poet Vares alias Barbarus, gravitate around Tief, adding further depth to this saga.
A meeting with the author will take place on February 19 at 18.00 at the Institut Français.
For further information: here.
Interview with the author, Xavier Bouvet :
1.
Comment as-tu découvert l’Estonie et qu’est-ce qui t’a poussé à t’y installer?
Estonia began as an unexpected stopover on a trip between Riga and Helsinki.
I fell in love with Tallinn immediately, especially under its blanket of snow when we first met in March 2010.
Each return journey extended my discovery of the country, until my decision, in 2022, to settle there for family and professional reasons.
2. What did you find positive about joining CAdFE?
Working in online opinion analysis, the Club d’Affaires des Francophones en Estonie offers me an ideal platform to meet various professionals active in the country.
The events organized are convivial moments where enriching discussions about Estonia take place, in places I might not otherwise have discovered.
The frequency of the events fits in perfectly with my schedule, enabling me to participate on a regular basis.
Author biography: Born in Metz in 1984, Xavier Bouvet studied history and communications in Leipzig and Paris.
Involved in municipal life in Metz in recent years, he now lives in Tallinn.
“Le Bateau Blanc” is his first novel, the fruit of a long-standing interest in Estonia and three years of documentation.
It marks the start of a promising literary career for this author with a passion for Estonian history and culture.