55 pages • 1 hour read
Under the Volcano
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Book Brief
423
Novel • Fiction
Mexico • 1930s
1947
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry follows the Consul, Geoffrey Firmin, a former British diplomat with an alcohol addiction, in Quauhnahuac, Mexico, on the day of his death in 1938. The narrative explores his tumultuous relationships with his ex-wife Yvonne, his half-brother Hugh, and friend-turned-enemy Jacques Laruelle, culminating in a tragic and reflective journey on the Day of the Dead. The book includes depictions of addiction to alcohol and contains outdated and offensive language.
Dark
Melancholic
Mysterious
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
25,648 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Malcolm Lowry's Under the Volcano is celebrated for its rich prose and depth, exploring themes of despair and redemption set in Mexico on the Day of the Dead. Critics commend its haunting atmosphere and complex characters but note its challenging narrative structure and dense, sometimes impenetrable language. This masterpiece is both lauded and critiqued for its demanding yet rewarding read.
Who Should Read Under the Volcano?
Ideal for readers who appreciate intricate character studies and rich, symbolic prose, Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry resonates with fans of existential literature like The Stranger by Albert Camus and the psychological depth of Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
25,648 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Yvonne Constable
Yvonne Constable
Yvonne is the Consul’s ex-wife, whose return to Mexico signifies her ongoing commitment to rescuing him. Her intentions bring her into complex dynamics with the Consul and other male figures in the story.
Hugh Firmin
Hugh Firmin
Hugh is the Consul's younger half-brother, characterized by his adventurous spirit and idealistic political views. He contrasts with the Consul through his active engagement with the events of the Spanish Civil War.
Jacques Laruelle
Jacques Laruelle
Jacques is a childhood friend of the Consul and a pivotal but briefly appearing figure in the novel. His past affair with Yvonne and interactions with the Consul contribute to the unfolding drama.
423
Novel • Fiction
Mexico • 1930s
1947
Adult
18+ years
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