Lilli Luuk

Lilli Luuk is an Estonian writer whose work often explores social and existential themes. Her writing is praised for its deep psychological insight and nuanced use of language.

Lilli Luuk entered Estonian literature in 2017. At that time, she was an unknown author, yet her debut short story "Auk" won the Friedebert Tuglas Short Story Award. A few years later, she received the same recognition for her story "Kolhoosi miss". Her 2022 short story collection of the same name was nominated for the Estonian Cultural Endowment’s Annual Literary Award. In 2023, Luuk received the Looming Annual Award for her short story "Mäed".

Her first novel, "Minu venna keha", won third place in the 2022 Historical Novel Competition, was nominated for the Tammsaare Literary Award, and in 2023, it earned Luuk the Estonian Writer of the Year title.

One of her most notable works is her second novel, "Ööema", which delves into the impossible choices faced by women and men in a post-World War II Estonian village, the untold stories, and the unanswerable questions that linger.

Lilli Luuk is also known for her short prose, where she masterfully creates a strong atmosphere and deep character portraits with minimal words. Her work has been highly appreciated by both readers and critics and continues to enrich Estonian literature.