Under the Volcano

A Novel

By: Malcolm Lowry

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 14 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

On the Day of the Dead, in 1938, Geoffrey Firmin, an alcoholic and ruined man, is fatefully living out his last day, drowning himself in mescal while his former wife and half-brother look on, powerless to help him. The events of this one day unfold against a backdrop unforgettable for its evocation of a Mexico at once magical and diabolical.

©1947 Peter Matson (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The book obviously belongs with the most original and creative novels of our time." (Alfred Kazin)
"One of the towering novels of [the twentieth] century." ( New York Times)
"[Lowry's] masterpiece...has a claim to being regarded as one of the ten most consequential works of fiction produced in this century...." ( Los Angeles Times)

Sad Story

What did you like best about Under the Volcano? What did you like least?

The scenic backdrop of Mexico and it's incredible natural beauty. There are many passages in Spanish which I understood, but, having spent some time there, the delivery would have brought blank stares or smiles of amusement from the locals.

Any additional comments?

This story is a thinly veiled autobiography of Lowry. It's a sad tale of an alcoholic's spiral into the abyss. It would probably be a good idea to read about the author beforehand. But, the sumptuous descriptions of the Mexican outdoors and insight into the culture which I have experienced myself saved it from being a turnoff altogether.

Unreal.

An absolutely unreal story, utterly compelling .

The Wikipedia synopsis is quite helpful.

A most personal day, that is easily mine, or yours.

Fascinating writing ... BUT ...

Lowry's writing is most impressive. He takes the reader for quite a ride. My problem is the ride is a horribly depressing one. My personal life has been so negatively impacted by alcholic family members that I found this book to be overwhelmingly sad. I am so disgusted by the lifestyle that is so completely dominated by alcohol. The subject matter is not what I care to immerse myself in and call it "reading for pleasure".

Painfully bad sections in Spanish

There are short sections in Spanish here and there throughout the book but the words are pronounciated in a way that will frustrate and distract anyone who knows even a little bit of Spanish. The problem isn't the pronounciation being off (not being elitist), it's more like it's completely made up

A classical masterpiece supposedly. Not for me.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Maybe for writers and literary critics and lovers of esoteric and mystical literature. I found it to be tedious, impenetrable and boring. I have a cast iron will to get through difficult books. This one I'm sad to say defeated me. I gave up 1/3 of the way through. I am almost positive that you won't like it.

One of the most boring books I have ever read!

What disappointed you about Under the Volcano?

Narrator's pronunciation of Spanish words is horrible! The book is nothing more than a long narration about...I'm not even sure what it's about...his vivid description of wanting another drink? I read it hoping it would lead to some historical insight of Day of the Dead, but soon discovered I would be the one dying of boredom! There's no plot, no connection to character, and no real level of intrigue that is even slightly redeemable. This was the worst book I've ever read. This was 11 hours of my life that I'll never get back!!!

Has Under the Volcano turned you off from other books in this genre?

Genre? What genre? Is their a new genre called anti-fiction?

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of John Lee?

Someone with better knowledge of the Spanish language!

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Under the Volcano?

The only part that got my attention was the last few lines. We're there scenes? Each scene was so disconnected from the others that it felt more like a series of hallucinations. Was that the point? Did I miss this?

Any additional comments?

Was there a theme?

Terrible

I couldn't finish the book. I hate to admit that it was that bad. The narration is so terrible it makes the book itself hard to understand. The plot moves so slowly I felt sure I must have missed something. Not recommended.

this is a tough listen

Currently making my way through top 100 fiction books. Found it hard to care about any of the characters. worst on the list so far....

Can’t do it

It’s RARE I give up on a book. I couldn’t care less about the characters, I can’t get into the story, and there’s lots of non-English parts. Narrator has a nice voice...wish I could get into it. I don’t understand the appeal...but it could be that it’s just not the right time to hear it...doubtful, however, I’ll ever get back to it....

the setting seemed lovely, but not the story.

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
If the central character could have stopped feeling sorry for himself

Has Under the Volcano turned you off from other books in this genre?
no. its always something of a gamble when you purchase a book, and one that is said to relate to the horrors of alcoholism should have alerted me to this.
Probably I've just got no patience with alcoholics. They always want someone to share their misery, and put up with them. When I decided that this miserable coot should just give up, I stopped listening.


How did the narrator detract from the book?
not sure about his foreign pronunciations.
I dont think I would listen to him again.

What character would you cut from Under the Volcano?
the central character