The Janet Frame Memorial Lecture - Guy Somerset

With thanks to New Zealand Book Month and Owen Marshall, pictured, here is the lightly edited text of Marshall’s inaugural annual Janet Frame Memorial Lecture, given last Sunday during the day-long event at Te Papa in Wellington to launch Book Month.

I appreciate the privilege of giving the first Janet Frame memorial lecture associated with New Zealand Book Month, itself in only its second year, yet already established as a success both artistically and commercially. My sincere thanks to the joint sponsors of this address - the New Zealand Society of Authors and publisher Random House. Without their initiative and support, it wouldn’t be taking place. And I’m delighted that the Janet Frame Trust agreed to the lecture bearing Janet’s name. What better mantle could it wear?

Use the title link above to read the edited text of Owen's lecture.

Guy Somerset is the book editor of The Dominion and a regular, well-informed and sometimes controversial book blogger. I lifted the above from his blog.

And Bookman Beattie will be In Conversation with Owen Marshall at this weekend's GOING WEST FESTIVAL. http://www.goingwest.co.nz/