1983 novel by an Estonian writer living in Sweden still captivates young readers

Helga Nõu's novel "Pea suu!Shut Your Mouth!"), published in 1983, tells the story of 14-year-old Tiina, an Estonian girl living in Sweden, and her teenage worries. The book has proven timeless and resonates with young people to this day, with its opening pages remaining popular material in recitation competitions.

Estonian writer Helga Nõu, who lives in Sweden, wrote the novel "Pea suu!" in 1983, whose protagonist is 14-year-old Tiina, an Estonian girl living in Sweden. More than four decades later, the book still speaks to young readers.

Tiina's concerns include what she believes is her oversized nose, "like a giant potato," and her excessive height, "like a flagpole." These worries typical of adolescents have remained surprisingly relevant with the passing decades, and the book has not lost its freshness.

The book's popularity is particularly evident in recitation competitions, where jury members encounter Tiina repeatedly: the opening pages have become valued material among performers thanks to their lively and humorous language.