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.

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.

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 The book includes depictions of addiction to alcohol and contains outdated and offensive language.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

Malcolm Lowry

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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Under the Volcano Summary

Background

Under the Volcano Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Under the Volcano Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Under the Volcano Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

Under the Volcano Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

Under the Volcano Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Under the Volcano Character Analysis

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Themes

Under the Volcano Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Under the Volcano Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Under the Volcano Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Under the Volcano Essay Topics

Under the Volcano

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Under the Volcano?

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Book Details