The Cure (Kocan novel) explained

The Cure (1983) is a novel by Australian writer Peter Kocan. It was originally published by Angus and Robertson in Australia in 1983.^[1]

The novel is a direct sequel to the author's previous book The Treatment.

Synopsis

Still in the same mental hospital as the author's previous novel, Len Tarbutt is given more freedom and occupational therapy. He uses his writing as a means of maintaining his sanity and finally wins a poetry prize.

Critical reception

Peter Kay, writing in The Canberra Times, stated: "Peter Kocan's The Cure is a moving, chilling and distinctlymemorable novel. While the themes he explores are profound, Kocan's prose is spare and direct. He is a skilful builder of tension and he handles his characters with superb sensitivity...Kocan's use of humour, to both temper and accentuate the horrors of mental hospital life, adds greatly to the impact of this impressive and disturbing book."^[2]

Publication history

After its original publication in 1983 in Australia by publisher Angus and Robertson^[3] the novel was later collected with the author's previous novel, The Treatment, and republished as follows:

• Sirius Books, Australia, 1984^[4]
• Taplinger Publishing, USA, 1985^[5]
• Angus and Robertson, Australia, 1993 and 2004
• HarperCollins, Australia, 2002^[6]
• Europa Editions, USA, 2008^[7]

Awards

• New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards – Christina Stead Prize, 1983, winner^[8]

See also

• 1983 in Australian literature

Notes and References

1. Web site: Austlit — The Cure by Peter Kocan (Angus and Robertson) 1983. Austlit. 29 December 2023.
2. Web site: "Disturbing and memorable novel" . The Canberra Times, 13 August 1983, p16. 29 December 2023.
3. Web site: The Cure (Angus and Robertson 1983) . National Library of Australia. 29 December 2023.
4. Web site: The Cure (Sirius Books 1984) . National Library of Australia. 29 December 2023.
5. Web site: The Cure (Taplinger Publishing 1985) . National Library of Australia. 29 December 2023.
6. Web site: The Cure (Harper Collins 2002) . National Library of Australia. 29 December 2023.
7. Web site: The Cure (Europa Editions 2008) . National Library of Australia. 29 December 2023.
8. Web site: Austlit — Christina Stead Prize 1983 . Austlit. 29 December 2023.