The Turning is a collection of interconnected short stories set in Angelus, Western Australia.
In "Big World," the narrator and Biggie decide to leave their small town to explore the wider world. Their journey takes a turn when they pick up a backpacker named Meg who causes a rift between them. Eventually, Meg and Biggie abandon the narrator. The narrator returns to Angelus and later settles down with a family.
In "Abbreviation," Vic Lang—the protagonist—goes on a family holiday and has a significant encounter with a girl named Melanie leading to a brief love affair.
"Aquifer" follows the narrator as he revisits his childhood neighborhood while reflecting on a tragic event involving a bully named Alan. He also contemplates the passing of time and witnesses the eviction of an Aboriginal family.
In "Damaged Goods," Vic's wife confronts her husband's obsession with a girl named Strawberry Alison.
Peter Dyson returns to his hometown after his wife's suicide in the story "Small Mercies." He encounters his former love interest, Fay Keenan, whose addiction issues pose challenges for both of them.
"On Her Knees" follows Vic and his mother as they face false accusations of theft while living in Perth.
In "Cockleshell," Brakey develops an infatuation with his classmate Agnes but their potential relationship is thwarted by tragic events.
Raelene in "The Turning" is married to an abusive husband. She finds solace in her friendship with Sherry and her kind and religious husband, Dan.
Max plays a cruel prank on his younger brother, Frank, causing him emotional distress in the short story "Sand."
Meanwhile, in "Family," Frank—now grown up and a talented soccer player—reunites with his brother Max. They confront their past grievances and experience a shark attack that tests their bond.
"Long, Clear View" follows a young Vic Lang struggling with anxiety and fear in his new town.
In "Reunion," Gail, Vic's wife, bonds with her mother-in-law, Carol, during a Christmas celebration deepening their relationship. Meanwhile, in "Commission," Vic searches for his father who left the family after his mother requests him.
Bob Lang, Vic's father, participates in a search and rescue operation while wrestling with corruption within the town in "Fog."
In the following story, "Boner McPharlin's Moll," Jackie and her troubled boyfriend Boner become entangled in crime and deception leading to their eventual separation.
The narrator in "Immunity" recalls a train ride with Vic Lang. She discovers Vic's belief in his immunity from death and the tragic loss of his sister.
And finally in "Defender," Vic and Gail visit some friends as they face challenges within their relationship including Gail's confession of infidelity.
