Under the Volcano

Malcolm Lowry, 1947

Date read: 8/12/24

This is supposed to be one of the greatest English language (mostly English) novels of all time and frankly, I didn't understand like 40 percent of it.

I've never been an alcoholic but as Lowry was, I will trust his depiction of alcoholism to be accurate. It is heartbreaking. Like he literally hates himself so much he drinks to escape his existence.

I felt Yvonne should have gotten more "screen time" because there was definately something psychological going on with the daughter of an alcoholic trying to save her alcoholic husband.

I was confused what her relationship was with Jacques (an affair?) And with Hugh (potential affair?).

A lot of this novel is in Spanish so be prepared with Google translate if you don't read it well. There is also French, German, and Norwegian just for variety.

It isn't bad by any means but, confusing. Maybe that's because Geoffrey is drunk through the entire thing.