I am not Estonian, but my mother and her parents were. They emigrated in 1948. That generation has passed but I recognize in your description some of my own attitudes and how they came from their examples. Thank you for your window into the culture.

I know that Estonia was contested at certain points for Russian and German rule. My grandfather was a lawyer, may grandmother was a teacher, and, according to family lore, they were persons of interest to the people who'd invaded and taken over. Do you have recommendations for learning more about that awful phase of history? I wouldn't bring it up, but it is connected to my maternal line's emigration to the US in 1948, so there is a curiosity on my part.