Under the Volcano is a novel by Malcolm Lowry, first published in 1947. It tells the story of Geoffrey Firmin, a British consul living in Mexico, who is struggling with addiction and personal demons. The novel is set on the Day of the Dead in 1938 and follows Firmin as he navigates the celebrations and his own troubled psyche.
The novel is known for its dense, symbolic style and its use of stream-of-consciousness narration. It is also notable for its portrayal of the destructive power of addiction and the complex inner turmoil of its main character.
Under the Volcano has received widespread critical acclaim and is considered a classic of modern literature. However, its dense, symbolic style and complex structure can make it challenging for some readers. Despite this, many readers have found the novel to be a powerful and thought-provoking work that rewards close attention and multiple readings.