Anne Remmel's Book
Newly released Book: "Two Worlds Within"
Anne Remmel's new book offers a gripping, unforgettable journey into life caught between two cultures. This powerful and deeply moving book is a must-read for anyone navigating the delicate balance between family heritage and the challenges of a new world. Through poignant personal stories intertwined with the monumental events of history, it reveals the little-known but extraordinary tale of the great Estonian Escape—when 80,000 people fled their homeland nearly eighty years ago. Prepare to be captivated by a story of survival, identity, and resilience.
Praise for Two Worlds Within
"Two Worlds Within is a powerful, compelling, page-turning account of a woman's lifelong struggle to weave the frayed strands of her fragmented identity into a mandala-like whole through a connection to community, choral singing along with thousands, art, music and exploring her family's roots. The book is a must-read for second-generation children of refugees but also for those who know little about the untold story of human suffering that befell Estonians amid the tumult of the 20th century."
JAAK RAKFELDT, PH. D.PROFESSOR EMERITUS, SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY; ASSISTANT CLINICAL PROFESSOR, YALE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY
"Anne Remmel's story is compelling, insightful and an enjoyable read. Engaging and humorous, it is also a poignant story of a girl learning to live in two societies with both her Canadian cultural roots and her Estonian cultural roots. These stories and experiences are informed by the world events that surround them in informative and touching ways."
TIIU VAIKLA PÕLDMA, PH.D. FIDC FDRS CFERDIE CAPDIQ
DESIGNER/RESEARCHER
RETIRED FULL PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL
Anne Remmel eloquently weaves the concept of the importance of the arts for her personal well-being throughout her memoir. There is a natural rapport between art and music and Ms. Remmel luckily found the language for both. When words were not enough, the author’s art responses to life events spoke for her. She intuitively understood that the creative process is a life-long friend either to be noticed at school, within her Estonian community, or privately when faced with grief. Whether eager to excel at her technical skills, or finding painting for meditation, Anne knew that artists have also used their personal expression for sublimating strong emotions in a therapeutic way.
Thankfully our creative paths have crossed as members in the art association EKKT, The Society of Estonian Artists in Toronto, and The Estonian House Art Committee. Perhaps our brushes are dipped in the colours from a similar Baltic and Canadian palette.
ELVA PALO, MSc, RP, RCAT, DTATI
ARTIST, ART THERAPIST, PSYCHOTHERAPIST