"Janet Frame's first book, a collection of short stories called The Lagoon, was published in 1951 and won the Hubert Church Memorial Aaward for literature. In 1979 appeared her tenth novel, Living in the Maniototo. The novels, short stories and verse published between these years record the intense, idiosyncratic and visionary perceptions of the most brilliant writer New Zealand has produced. Reflecting the harshness and horror of experience, yet illustrated by wit, humour, and a masterful style, they have attracted world-wide attention ..."--Back cover.