Kingdom by the sea

You can climb the hill behind 56 Eden Street Oamaru and look down over the town Janet thought of as "the Kingdom by the sea"

Recently I posted a report on the fine work being done in Oamaru to look after Janet Frame's childhood home, which has been preserved and is opened to the public again from next weekend. The earlier post has all the contact details for those interested in knowing more about the Eden Street project.

Carol Berry, Chair of Oamaru's Janet Frame Eden Street Trust, has sent me a few quotes from the Visitors' Books at 56 Eden Street and suggested that I put them online. These comments give a good flavour of the sometimes moving and always appreciative responses that are recorded in the books:

“A fascinating glimpse into the early years of Janet’s life. The house still has an atmosphere of her presence”

“A wonderful memorial. One feels her presence as one walks through her world”

“It was a pleasure to have this little insight into Janet’s childhood. A fantastic effort on behalf of the Trust to keep her memories alive”

“A great and unexpected privilege to look more closely into Janet Frame’s life here. The JFEST is to be commended on their sensitivity.”

“Fabulous resource and fitting tribute”

“Thank you for this wonderful insight into Janet’s life; it is much appreciated and also the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guide.”

Carol adds: "There are lots more … this is just a sample. Makes one feel quite humble really."

Janet Frame as a schoolgirl, Oamaru New Zealand