The Turning

by

Tim Winton

Nanna Lang, Vic’s grandmother, is a difficult, capricious elderly woman. Nanna expresses a clear preference for her wayward older son, Ernie, and underappreciates his brother Bob, despite a lifetime of Bob cleaning up Ernie’s messes. Not only does Nanna not hide her favoritism, but she also refuses to allow anyone from voicing even the slightest criticism of Ernie. While Nanna insists on organizing family trips despite mutual disdain between Bob and Ernie’s families, after Bob’s disappearance, she quickly falls out of touch with Vic and his mother, Carol.
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Nanna Character Timeline in The Turning

The timeline below shows where the character Nanna appears in The Turning. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Abbreviation
Family, Violence, and Love Theme Icon
Belonging and Escape Theme Icon
...than planned, in a state of tension. Vic is frustrated with both his domineering grandmother, Nanna, and his Uncle Ernie, who he blames for their lateness. A flashback shows that when... (full context)
Reunion
Family, Violence, and Love Theme Icon
Belonging and Escape Theme Icon
...with the news that Vic’s uncle and aunt, Ernie and Cleo, have invited them over; Vic’s grandmother will be there, too. Vic is shocked, but agrees to go, if only briefly. As... (full context)
Trauma and Memory Theme Icon
Family, Violence, and Love Theme Icon
Regret and Forgiveness Theme Icon
...husband Bob always had to clean up after them, without any recognition from his mother, Nanna. As they talk and drink more champagne, Gail feels that she and Carol finally start... (full context)