She received her master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Stockholm in 1970, having focused on – among other areas of specialization – the work of the Russian novelist, poet, theorist, and literary critic Boris Nikolaevich Bugaev.
Karin was a writer in her own right. She published several books of poetry and was also the author of more than one play. Her best-known body of fiction was an Estonian-language collection of short stories called “The Conquerors” (“Vallutajad”).
Always known as a person with a patriotic streak and as an active member of the Estonian community in exile, Karin taught Estonian to many children in the Swedish capital.
Karin Saarsen was the Chairperson of the Stockholm Branch of the Estonian Writer’s Union and also a member of the Pen Club.
Her book of memoirs “Grand Hotel, Stockholm (and the Polish Summer)” was published in once-again independent Estonia in 2006.
Those who knew Karin may remember her as a keen follower of the comings and goings of the royal families of Europe, and of the Swedish royal family in particular, and also as a big fan of equestrian sports such as show jumping.
Karin had an extroverted personality, at least by Estonian standards. The phrase “they threw away the mold when they made her” gets used to excess on occasion, but it’s just the simple truth when applied to Karin Saarsen, who may well have been one of the last aristocratic journalists to have graced our planet.
Karin Saarsen-Karlstedt passed away on January 25 of this year in Stockholm, being survived by a son.
Jüri Estam, Tallinn
