Tourmaline (novel)

Tourmaline is a novel by Australian author Randolph Stow, published in 1963. The story is set in a fictional, drought-stricken Australian outback town of Tourmaline, which has been largely abandoned and left to decay. The narrative revolves around the arrival of a charismatic but ultimately destructive figure, Michael Random, who claims to be able to find water.

The novel explores themes of hope, faith, disillusionment, and the harsh realities of life in the Australian desert. It examines the vulnerability of isolated communities to false prophets and the destructive potential of blind faith. Stow uses vivid imagery and symbolism to portray the physical and spiritual aridity of the town and its inhabitants.

Characters in Tourmaline include the Law, an aging man representing a fading sense of order and justice; Kestrel, a former prospector clinging to the hope of finding wealth; and Dave Speed, a young man struggling to find his place in the desolate landscape. These characters are representative of different aspects of the human condition and their interaction with Random highlights the complex interplay between belief, despair, and survival.

Tourmaline is considered a significant work of Australian literature, known for its poetic prose, its exploration of the Australian landscape, and its psychological depth. It won the Miles Franklin Award in 1964.