The Watchtower (1966) is a novel by Australian writer Elizabeth Harrower (1928-2020).

Laura and Clare Vaizey are sisters living in Sydney around the time of WWII. When their father dies and their mother disappears to England, the sisters are left to fend for themselves.

Laura gives up her medical studies, works in a factory and decides to marry Felix Shaw on the understanding he will look after Clare so she can stay on at school

Felix Shaw, however, is a cruel man, a malicious mean man who tyrannises the sisters until Laura is crushed.

Clare does have to leave school and go to business school.

Unlike Laura, Clare is not crushed. She takes refuge in literature and after helping out a refugee, she realises she has a purpose in life.