55 pages 1 hour read

Malcolm Lowry

Under the Volcano

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1947

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

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 The book includes depictions of addiction to alcohol and contains outdated and offensive language.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

British Literature

Classic Fiction

Topics

Addiction / Substance Abuse

History: World

Period

Modernism

Themes

Identity: Mental Health

Relationships: Marriage

Natural World: Environment