'I, Cosmo' by Carlie Sorosiak is a charming tale about family life, told from the perspective of their pet. 12 year old Cosmo clearly views himself - and in turn is viewed - as an important cog in the family workings, conveyed hilariously through his warming and dead pan narrative. He loves food scraps, hugs and musicals. He is extremely self aware which makes for hugely entertaining reading. A perfect tail (pardon the pun) for anyone who has been lucky enough to grow up with a beloved family pet.
We are taken through a year in the life of Cosmo and his humans, Mum, Dad and their children Max and Emmaline. Events and celebrations come and go, relatives appear and disappear and, in a glorious series of events... Cosmo learns to dance. Self professed fans of the '70s musical Grease, Cosmo and Max enter an owner and pet dance competition. They spend many months rehearsing and perfecting their routine with delightful results enough to encourage any reader to try something similar with their own pet.
Through Cosmo's eyes, alongside his daily trials and tribulations of food and aching joints, we navigate tricky waters: namely we feel his tender concern for his owners, parents who have grown apart and wish to divorce. Usually this kind of narrative is told from the perspective of a child caught in the middle of their parent's relationship, which naturally heightens the upset and pain caused by such a scenario. Using Cosmo as narrator doesn't feel twee or saccharine; instead his open, affectionate voice provides a wise and calming viewpoint of his humans, through which the reader comes to realise the reasons why some marriages must come to an end.
'I, Cosmo' doesn't shy away from the distress caused by the ending of a marriage and the ramifications for children and, in this case, pets. Inevitably mistakes are made and sadness comes to call, but the story concludes in a manner that would provide comfort to any child - or parent - experiencing the same thing. The steadfast love and affection that bonds Cosmo and his humans together transcends the different future that lies before them, showing the humanity (or dogamity...?) that will always shine through difficult times.
*Earl (the aforementioned moggy) was delighted to discover that Carlie's latest story 'My Life as a Cat' will be published this September.
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