The Drowner
The Drowner's theme is one that has captured the attention and curiosity of many people over the years. It is a topic that has generated debate, discussion and reflection in various spheres of society. From the academic field to the popular field, The Drowner has been the object of study, analysis and exploration. As society advances and evolves, the interest and relevance of The Drowner continues to constantly change, expanding into new areas and raising new questions. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the importance and impact of The Drowner in different contexts, as well as its influence on our daily lives.
 First edition | |
| Author | Robert Drewe |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | novel |
| Publisher | Pan Macmillan, Australia |
Publication date | 1996 |
| Publication place | Australia |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| Pages | 329 |
| ISBN | 0732908582 |
| Preceded by | Our Sunshine |
| Followed by | Grace |
The Drowner (1996) is a novel by Australian author Robert Drewe.[1]
It was shortlisted for Miles Franklin Award, and won the Vance Palmer Prize for Fiction and New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards — Book of the Year in 1997.
Plot summary
In the late 19th century an Englishman irrigator or "drowner", Will Dance, utilises ancient water-knowledge and modern technology to save a drought-ridden town in Western Australia.
Reviews
- Publishers' Weekly noted: "The desert mining town,..., comes fully to life, invigorated by crisp and moving portrayals of Drewe's minor characters and the monotonous beauty of the hostile (blessedly arid) countryside."[2]
- Garth Crawford in Woroni stated: "In his mastery of image, and spare but beautiful descriptions of this quest, Drewe reveals his strongest claim to pre-eminence. The Drowner is by an author who enjoys words, weighs and places each without mistaking linguistic asceticism for aestheticism."[3]
Awards and nominations
- 1997 winner New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards — Christina Stead Prize for Fiction[4]
- 1997 winner New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards — Book of the Year[4]
- 1997 shortlisted Commonwealth Writer's Prize — South East Asia and South Pacific Region - Best First Novel
- 1997 winner Vance Palmer Prize for Fiction[5]
- 1998 winner Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature[6]
- 1998 winner Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature — Premier's Award for the Best Overall Published Work[6]
Notes
A film adaptation of the novel was reportedly arranging funding in 2010,[7] and was in pre-production in 2013. It was to be directed by Jeff Darling from a screenplay by Justin Monjo, and produced by Michael Boughen and Matthew Street and production company Ambience Entertainment.
References
- ^ "The Drowner by Robert Drewe". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ "The Drowner, Robert Drewe, author", Publishers' Weekly
- ^ "The Drowner - Robert Drewe" by Garth Crawford, Woroni, 10 October 1996
- ^ a b ""Novelist Drewe carries off a big prize at last"". Sydney Morning Herald, 18 September 1997. ProQuest 363360979. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ ""The Vance Palmer Prize for Fiction 1997-1999"". Austlit. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature – Past Literary Award Winners". State Library of South Australia. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ ""Film in vogue as investment option"". The West Australian, 20 March 2010. Retrieved 3 July 2024.