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Literary Fiction· United Kingdom

Under the Volcano

by Malcolm Lowry
Aggregate Editorial Score42/100
TIME 100 Best Novels
Published 1947391 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry is a landmark work of literary fiction, first published in 1947. The last day in the life of the British Consul Geoffrey Firmin—played out in Mexico on the Day of the Dead 1938, as he drinks himself to death watched by his ex-wife and half-brother. Lowry's singular masterpiece, with its Dantesque structure and extraordinary symbolic density, is considered one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century. Themes of alcoholism, love, Mexico run through the work. The book has received recognition from TIME 100 Best Novels 1947.

Book Details

AuthorMalcolm Lowry
Published1947
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages391
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780061960260
Editorial Score42/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

Malcolm Lowry published Under the Volcano in 1947, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from United Kingdom. The book's treatment of alcoholism, love, Mexico, despair accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Under the Volcano among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: TIME 100 Best Novels 1947. Our aggregate score of 42/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of Under the Volcano lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of alcoholism, love, Mexico, despair is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Under the Volcano reflects Malcolm Lowry's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United Kingdom's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

TIME 100 Best Novels
list · global
194721
✍️
About the Author
Malcolm Lowry
United Kingdom
View Author →

Malcolm Lowry is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of literary fiction.

Designed to Feel
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Under the Volcano about?

The last day in the life of the British Consul Geoffrey Firmin—played out in Mexico on the Day of the Dead 1938, as he drinks himself to death watched by his ex-wife and half-brother. Lowry's singular masterpiece, with its Dantesque structure and extraordinary symbolic density, is considered one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century.

Who wrote Under the Volcano?

Under the Volcano was written by Malcolm Lowry, from United Kingdom. First published in 1947.

What awards has Under the Volcano won?

Under the Volcano has received the following awards and honours: TIME 100 Best Novels 1947.

Is Under the Volcano worth reading?

Under the Volcano is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 21/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in alcoholism, love, Mexico.

Where can I buy Under the Volcano?

You can buy Under the Volcano on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Under the Volcano?

Under the Volcano is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Under the Volcano from?

Under the Volcano originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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