“Tourmaline” by Randolph Stow is a novel set in the remote, fictional town of Tourmaline in Western Australia. The story revolves around Michael Random, a charismatic preacher who arrives in the town during a time of crisis. The town is struggling due to a combination of drought and the decline of its once-thriving mining industry.

As the novel begins, Tourmaline is depicted as a place in decline. The landscape is harsh and unforgiving, reflecting the despair and stagnation of the town’s residents. The people of Tourmaline are facing severe hardships, with the land drying up and their once-productive mines becoming abandoned and useless. This situation has led to a general sense of hopelessness and resignation among the townsfolk.

Michael Random’s arrival marks a turning point for Tourmaline. He is an enigmatic figure who arrives with promises of salvation and a solution to their problems. Random preaches the word of God and claims that he has the power to find water, which the town desperately needs. His arrival injects a new sense of purpose and hope into the community. The townspeople, who have been disillusioned and weary, begin to rally around him, inspired by his vision and charisma.

The novel explores the impact of Random’s arrival on the town and its people. As Random starts to gain followers, the town begins to show signs of revitalization. The once-dying community starts to come back to life, driven by a renewed sense of optimism and faith. Random’s promises and his ability to inspire change lead the townsfolk to believe that their problems might be solved and that their fortunes might turn around.

However, the novel is also deeply concerned with the environmental and cultural themes. The harsh, dry landscape of Tourmaline is depicted as almost a living entity that influences the people’s lives and emotions. The natural environment is shown as both a source of life and a force of destruction. The struggle for survival in such an unforgiving environment serves as a backdrop for the town’s revitalization efforts and the characters’ personal transformations.

Throughout the story, Stow uses the town of Tourmaline as a symbol of broader themes. The town’s struggle with drought and abandonment reflects larger issues related to the environment and human resilience. Random’s promises of finding water and revitalizing the town can be seen as a metaphor for the search for meaning and renewal in the face of overwhelming odds. The novel delves into the relationship between humans and their environment, highlighting how this relationship can influence and shape both personal and communal destinies.

In addition to its environmental themes, “Tourmaline” also addresses the idea of cultural revitalization. The town, once vibrant and prosperous, has become a shadow of its former self. Random’s arrival represents a chance for cultural and spiritual renewal. His influence brings about a transformation not just in the physical environment but also in the collective psyche of the townspeople. The town’s revival is not merely about finding water or fixing the mines; it is about reawakening a sense of purpose and hope among the people.

The novel’s critical reception highlights its place in modern storytelling and its allegorical depth. It has been noted for its depiction of Australia as a vivid, sensory landscape, akin to the works of other modernist writers. The critical perspective sees “Tourmaline” as an ecological allegory, where the town’s revival is tied to its engagement with the natural world.

In summary, “Tourmaline” is a rich, complex novel that explores themes of environmental hardship, cultural renewal, and spiritual transformation. Through the character of Michael Random and the struggles of the town of Tourmaline, Randolph Stow presents a compelling narrative about hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The novel’s setting and themes offer a deep reflection on the relationship between humans and their environment, making it a significant work in Australian literature.