Cosmo Cosmolino

This article is about the book. For the band, see Cosmo Cosmolino (band).

Cosmo Cosmolino is a 1992 book by Australian writer Helen Garner.^[1] The book consists of three linked works: two short stories and a novella, though the author and critics have described it as a novel.^[2]

Cosmo Cosmolino

First edition
Author	Helen Garner
Language	English
Publisher	McPhee Gribble
Publication date	1992
Publication place	Australia
Media type	Print
Pages	221
ISBN	0747513449
Preceded by	Postcards from Surfers (1985)
Followed by	The First Stone (1994)

It was first published in Australia by McPhee Gribble^[3] and was shortlisted for the 1993 Miles Franklin Award.^[4] It has been reported that the novel's title is Garner's favourite, and came to her in a dream.^[5]

Short stories

In the first short story "Recording Angel", a woman goes to a hospital to see a gravely ill friend.^[6] In the second short story "A Vigil", a man is forced to see the cremation of his girlfriend who committed suicide.^[6]

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.^[7]

Critical reception

The novel was critically well received.^[8]