6.6 /10 1 Votes
Language English Media type Print Followed by The First Stone (1994) ISBN 0747513449 Country Australia | 3.3/5 Goodreads Publication date 1992 Pages 221 Originally published 1992 Page count 221 Publisher McPhee Gribble | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Preceded by Postcards from Surfers (1985) Similar Helen Garner books, Other books | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cosmo Cosmolino is a 1992 book by Australian writer Helen Garner. The book consists of three linked works: two short stories and a novella, though the author and critics have described it as a novel.
Contents
It was first published in Australia by McPhee Gribble and was shortlisted for the 1993 Miles Franklin Award. It has been reported that the novel's title is Garner's favourite, and came to her in a dream.
Short stories
In the first short story "Recording Angel", a woman goes to a hospital to see a gravely ill friend. In the second short story "A Vigil", a man is forced to see the cremation of his girlfriend who suicided.
Novella
In the novella that gives the name to the book, freelance writer Janet owns a terrace house in Melbourne. The house was previously inhabited by a communal household.
Critical reception
The novel was critically well received.