1911-1917

A town of cordially warm people

The Vildes returned to Europe from America, tired of much unpleasantness and endless travelling, and made their next home in Copenhagen, the hometown of the world-famous author of fairytales, Hans Christian Andersen. Denmark was at that time one of the most suitable and affordable liberal countries in Europe – the rights of foreigners were not violated, special documents not demanded. Vilde became really fond of the Danes who “carry their hearts in their eyes and this heart of a child is full of warm goodness”. Eduard Vilde and Linda Jürman were encouraged to settle down in their rented home at 128, Vesterbrogade in 1911. Royalties from Estonia came regularly and Vilde was finally able to lead a peaceful life, to read and start writing his plays. The plays written in 1912-1913 became really popular in Estonia. The royalties paid for the flat, they were not wealthy yet but definitely not poor either.

When living in Denmark Vilde had a lively correspondence with his family and friends at home. He subscribed to Estonian newspapers Daily and Viljandi Gazette in which his own articles about life, politics and journalism in Denmark were also published. Life in Denmark was rather peaceful during the First World War but Vilde cautiously considered it more sensible not to publish anything political at that time. In their leisure time Vilde and Linda Jürman took short trips, went to the theatre and museums, but being emigrants in exile did not take an active part in social life. It was only in 1917 after the October revolution when they could return home. Next time Vilde was in Copenhagen in 1919 but stayed there only for a short time as an employee in Copenhagen Press Bureau. He was fluent in the German and Danish languages and had wide journalistic experience. Vilde’s sentimental novel Redemption (1909) deals with life in Denmark as well. It has not been translated into the Danish language yet.