First Person

Monday 23 June 2008

An Angel at my Table by Janet Frame

From a childhood and adolescence spent in a materially poor but intellectually rich family, years of incarceration in mental hospitals, and finally to her emergence from institutionalization to a new life as a writer, Janet Frame's autobiography - comprising the three volumes published individually as To the Is-land, An Angel at My Table and The Envoy from Mirror City - is more than just the record of her life. With unflinching honesty she transforms "ordinary facts and ideas into a shining palace of mirrors", and shows how the love of letters sustained her through the many difficult years.

Friday 04 July 2008

Listen Now - 04072008 | 

First Person - An Angel at My Table

Janet has just learnt that she is to receive a grant from the Literary Fund to enable her to travel overseas and 'broaden her experience'. For the young woman who spent much of her twenties incarcerated in mental institutions, the thought of this freedom is almost beyond belief. For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.

Thursday 03 July 2008

Listen Now - 03072008 | 

First Person - An Angel at My Table

Released from psychiatric hospital, Janet has headed to Auckland to once again embark on a new life, this time with the support of well-known writer Frank Sargeson. For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.

Wednesday 02 July 2008

Listen Now - 02072008 | 

First Person - An Angel at My Table

Janet is again leaving home on a train, to try and make a fresh start. But once again, her efforts seem doomed to failure.
For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.

Tuesday 01 July 2008

Listen Now - 01072008 | 

First Person - An Angel at My Table

Janet's struggle with the insecurity and anxiousness she suffered as a young student teacher resulted in a failed suicide attempt and involuntary committal to the notorious mental hospital Seacliff. The experience has of course marked her in many ways.
For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.

Monday 30 June 2008

Listen Now - 30062008 | 

First Person - An Angel at My Table

Janet Frame was born in 1924 and grew up in a poor family on the South Island. She did well at school, and was accepted into teacher training college. But for the shy young woman it was a lonely and anxious time, and now, having completed her training, she must find the confidence to enter the world as a young working woman.
For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.