Malcolm Lowry - Under the Volcano BOOK REVIEW
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- Опубліковано 30 тра 2015
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Love, Desperation, and Inebriation on Dia de los muertos in 1938 Mexico.
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30 pages in and already finding it a difficult read. Beautiful passages, this guy writes and feels like a poet. Disjointed, fragmentary, nonlinear narrative a la Faulkner. There's an anxiety and tragic atmosphere in the book that I find in some of my favorite books like 2666, the Sound and the Fury, Heart of Darkness and ...Hamlet.
This is perfect; a book reviewer who doesn't talk about YA, but proper, balls-to-the-walls literature.
please never give up on this channel, youtube needs you, you have good taste and your reviews are well done and entertaining, i'm really glad i found you, you review really interesting and good stuff, also the gun club fucking rules.
Hector Rodriguez I think you were my 1000th subscriber. Thanks Hector.
This comment section made me feel positive about my reading habits. I have so many books on my bookshelf that I bought/were gifted to me; started them, let life get in the way, became uninterested in literature, went on hiatus, eventually coming back. This cycle always leaves me feeling guilty when I get the urge to buy a new novel when there are a handful already on my bookshelf that deserve attention, first. I bought “Under the Volcano,” several years ago, then read 5-pages, put it down. Now I’m 25-pages in and trying to break that ‘dull threshold’ of the first few chapters… trying. Needless to say, this review is giving me the propulsion I need to tackle this seemingly weighty tome! 🤙
I've probably read close to 700-800 books since 18 - after taking an impromptu class in english lit to get THAT extra O level at the time. This book, was the biggest challenge to read, it took me 6-7 MONTHS..... I don't know why, very soul searching, strange, great imagery but the self destruction was just hard to take and read. After ALL that, I was amazed that my fav actor AF bloody starred in the movie. I am from Nottingham, so saturday night sunday morning you have to see also, but YOU HAVE to read it too. A strange simple story.....
my father was from Newark and also a bit like AF .
This novel is one of my favorites, and Malcolm Lowry is a pretty unique case as far as authors go. Such a complex, allusive work. And at the same time such a powerful upheavel of psyche. No wonder William H. Gass relates it as its own avant-garde. Sorry, about gushing, by the way. A little excited a favorite novel of mine got reviewed.
This book put me to sleep, it even put my book nerd mother asleep. It didn't however put my grandmother asleep. So I assume you need a Masters degree in teaching and 80 years on this planet to read this book.
Thank you grandma, wouldnt have had enough credits to graduate highschool without your hand written book review. Rest in peace Abuela!
madhippy3. Agreed it's not an easy read, I'm on my 4th reading - this time in Spanish. But the point is you really need to understand the madness of alcoholism to understand Lowry and his character the Consul (autobiographical). Alcohol undoubtedly sends people insane, and Lowry himself actually spent time in an asylum in NYC. It's not like drug induced insanity either, it's much more raw...
Interesting how little he actually talks about the book
Yeah, I kinda noticed that too. I guess I'm glad to see someone bringing attention to the book, but he could have just read a Wikipedia summary of it and done this video. He definitely doesn't go deep into the actual literary work at all. Just kinda riffs on the general vibe of the book (which, again, anyone who has read online about the book could do). He even slightly misquotes a line from it (the line about the woman playing dominoes with a chicken). He quotes it as: "How, unless you drink as I do, can you hope to understand the beauty of an old Indian woman playing dominoes with a chicken?" He got that from the Goodreads quote page for this book. It's a misquote.
The actual line in the book goes:
"And by the way, do you see that old woman from Tarasco sitting in the corner, you didn't before, but do you now?,' his eyes asked her, gazing around him with the bemused unfocused brightness of a lover's, his love asked her, 'How, unless you drink as I do, can you hope to understand the beauty of an old woman from Tarasco who plays dominoes at seven o'clock in the morning?'"
It's in chapter 2, when Yvonne and Geoffrey first meet again in the Bella Vista hotel after their long separation. It does eventually go on to say that she has a chicken with her, but my point is that this guy clearly just did some reading online about the book and made this video. I don't think he's actually read it.
Its exactly why I love this and other of his reviews that line with it. Not his new ones in which he goes into details. Why does one need details. Just read it. If you don't like it, then quit.
great channel - great book choices.
+Neil Griffiths Appreciate that Neil, thanks for watching.
Superb book, superb review. Really happy I stumbled on this. The book certainly left a lasting impression on me. Albeit haunting. Never experienced prose like it.
Love that John Waters quote.
Read it while living a winter in Canada where the natives wouldn't spend winter. They called it The Valley of the Lost Souls. Drinking heavily. I was blown away...
After wrestling with Under the Volcano for some time, I have finally finished it. Will definitely revisit over time. Its a gem. Certainly underappreciated by young English folk like yours truly.
One more book added on my "to read" list.
Do you plan on reviewing any Camus? I read "The plague" a week ago, it's really good. I'd also recommend "The sea and the mirror" by WH Auden and "Red Grass" by Vian. Both are great reads. Plus they're fairly short, so it shouldn't take too much of your time.
Have a great day!
Great review of a great book!
I'm just about to finally read this 😁
A beautiful novel, which translates well into Spanish, for being a particularly un-English work, like Lawrence Durrell. Albert Finney captued the man, but John Huston didn't capture the book's lyricism. I think the Cuban writer, Cabrera Infante, wrote the screenplay. If you can find Infante's April is the Cruelest month, I recommend you it.
I don't normally brave the comment section of youtube videos (for obvious reasons) but I have to say, I am so glad I stumbled upon your channel! Your thoughtful, witty and accessible style is on point. Intelligent but not pretentious. Needless to say, I've been devouring your vids. I went out and bought Under the Volcano today, actually, because of this. The gentleman helping me at the book store looked (pleasantly) surprised at my book choice. This probably had something to do with my straight-from-practice-cheerleader appearance (gotta love stereotypes). Anyways, he proceeded to recommend a handful of others. Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas by Hunter S. Thomson was one of them. Have you read him? Any thoughts? Keep up the good work man, I agree with that Hector guy, youtube needs ya. Cheers!
Johanne Young Hell yeah, grew up in a house with Hunter lining the shelves. Several friends knew him around the end as well. One was even there at the end. Confusing people with stereotypes is fun, no? Thanks for watching!
+Better Than Food: Book Reviews Definitely one of the finer pleasures in life for sure. Eagerly awaiting your next reviews! Also, it would be amazing if you would review the Story of O. It is quite possibly one of my favourite books and as far as I know, goes severely under appreciated. Since you enjoy the themes of sex and death I would not be surprised if you have already read it, especially given your interest in the Marquis Du Sade. Its quite the head game to be uncomfortable, confused disgusted and turned on all at the same time while reading something lol
Right now, I've got Under the Volcano, Blood Meridian, and 2666 on my shelf. Which one should I start with?
oooo blood meridian. man it is hard to get through, both because of the dense, dense but incredible prose, and the insane, prolific violence. i mean have a good stomach about violence but it's harsh in this. It can seem like a drag at certain points but by the end, looking back on it, it's a goddamn incredible book. The judge gives some unbelievable monologues. just do it.
WILLBTV 2666 bolaño was an amazing writer. too bad he couldn't finish this book. I also recommend " the savages detectives"
I'm loving this book. The way he develops the character, and the city, everything feels alive, infused by delirium tremens. Awesome. I'm currently writing a novel with dream like, oniric style, so this read is amazing. The edition I own, which it belongs to spanish editorial Random House, has a short phrase in the back by Rodrigo Fresan, where he describes this one a far more entertaining Ulysses.
I remember a book on Bolaño where he was talking about Lowry and Céline and said both lived in some kind of hell but the difference was the former wanted to get out of it while the letter felt comfortable in it. And he used a quote from Under the Volcano as the epigraph in The Savage Detectives. Also, Quauhnahuac is Cuernavaca's original non-Hispanicized name. One of the volcanoes is Iztaccíhuatl (called Ixtaccihuatl in the novel), whose name means "white woman" due to to its snowy nature, and apparently because from a certain point, it resembles a lying woman covered with a white blanket. Just random thoughts.
My favourite headstone inscription is still the depressive / surrealist comedian Spike Milligan
which just says _"I told you I wasn't feeling well"_
SALUDOS From Mexico man,...Great review..must read this book now!...by the way, had you ever tried RAICILLA ..It comes from an endemic zone and has no gen modifications..only requieres one destilation for the main porpouse. I recommend to have this booz in your arsenal ..
I've read about a third so far... As a non english native I find this book a little hard to read, as a mexican I often find myself polishing my history knowledge to get in context, but Geoff's drinking parts are superbly clear it makes me shake and feel the struggle and yell and get upset at him like please stop man! Its 9am and you had about 8 shots already...
I'd warn anyone about to try this book that it's a hard go. I am myself a former alcoholic and the complexity of the story combined with the endless drinking can throw you right off the wagon!
Is it Harder than Faulkner or McCarthy? Blood Meridian, The Sound and The Fury and Light in August were page turners for me
Would i get a hard time in Under the Volcano?
Glad I've found you.
Mezcal on the rocks???, no man, it´s takes single, el mezcal se sirve solo y pa´dentro !, "Do you like this garden which is yours?, Make sure your children don’t destroy it".
Tradujo y escribío eso, ya sea que Lowry malinterpretó lo que decía el letrero, o posiblemente su protagonista el cónsul no entendió el letrero, o estaba demasiado borracho para entender su verdadero significado.
Your apartment looks like a clean, well-lighted place.
Ultramarine is also a great book by Lowry, i like to think about it as a sequel to The catcher in the Rye. Even in it was written before
Yes, recommend both Ultramarine and Under The Volcano.
I gave up on this book like 200 pages in. It was way too complex for me I was really looking forward to it too. I’ll probably give it another shot a couple years down the road
Master piece. Read it and OH! MY GOD!
I own this one, but I haven't read it yet. this definitely makes me want to pick it up.
READ IT..... it's amazing. 7 years later since you commented. Tell me, Pedro, have you read it yet?
Under The Volcano is my favorite piece of heavy lit from the 20th Century. What stunned me however, about your video was my total oversight of the undeniable connection between Lowry's classic novel and the late-70's/early-80's L.A. punk scene. CHRIS D and FLESH EATERS (as well as GUN CLUB, X, The BLASTERS, and of course Aussie legends BOYS NEXT DOOR and BIRTHDAY PARTY featuring a young and wild Nick Cave) indeed do seem to very likely bare the stamp of Lowry's influence. As a self-appointed "historian" of the global punk and hardcore underground, I thank you for pointing out the connection which I so obviously over-looked (or possibly forgot, I have a vague memory of Under The Volcano being mentioned in the excellent oral history of the L.A. punk underground We Got The Neutron Bomb by someone, though admittedly my memory banks may be straining to make a neural connection to a path in mental reality potentially non-existent, being I read that excellent exposition of the early L.A. underground well over a decade ago) even despite the obvious connection present in Chris D's performance in and general vibe of the classic '87 indie film Border Radio. One can further detect the likely echo of Lowry throughout a plethora of 80's indie bands, however nowhere is it more present than in the FLESH EATERS' "Forever Came Today" ('82) and "Hard Road To Follow" ('83) LPs, though indeed THE GUN CLUB's "Miami" LP from '82 and particularly the life of Jeffery Lee Pierce certainly attest to the angst of artistry and the existential jubilee of life in hell, much akin to that which Lowry explores in UTV. Great video and thank you for giving me an excuse (albeit unnecessary) to revisit FLESH EATERS, THE GUN CLUB, Nick Cave's body of work in search of potential Lowry connections (if only that of artistic influence).
In conclusion, Under The Volcano is simply a book which is arguably too much for the circuitry of some psyches, certainly too much for some intellects...I have found an admittedly anecdotal connection between those who hold UTV in the highest of esteem and often personal struggles with addiction, mental illness, or a predilection towards confronting existential philosophical concerns (meaning, purpose, the problem of "will", etc.). While certainly UTV touches on the most basic and shared of human concerns, it seems that Lowry's piece of word art connects particularly well with certain personality types more so than others. One could probably state this for any piece of literature (or art in general), however, Under The Volcano in particular seems to cause an equally visceral and conscious reaction of the binary variety: love it or hate it. There are seemingly few who read the novel and when asked their opinion of it, shrug their shoulders and proclaim, "oh, it was an okay book". Though, maybe I simply haven't met a large enough sample of those who've actually read the novel to encounter such a reaction commonly.
Certainly there are those with world views who would object to nearly every aspect of Lowry's literary endeavor. These individuals are in my opinion maybe worthy of pity, if only for their lack of willingness to read even a fictional account which deals with nearly every aspect of the human experience without holding back, flinching, or offering a final conclusion. It is this final component (or lack thereof) which makes Under The Volcano both a modern and postmodern classic. No final pronouncement is made by Lowry and each reader is left much as they were before beginning the novel, to wrestle with their existence as conscious, emotional, physical beings with the knowledge that all roads lead to oblivion. Thankfully for the reader however, Lowry left us with an unforgettable prismatic portrait to consider viewing, an alternate set of eyes (behind the veil of sunglasses certainly) to consider each of our own private worlds through...
“I drink to make other people more interesting.” -Hemingway
Cool to hear someone mention the classic Canon 5D mrk III . I used to lug one around.
Just found your videos…
I know I’m late to the BTF party, but I’m loving the channel.
I lived in Portland from 1998 to 2005. Loved Powells on W. Burnside! (I know downtown is very different now)
Those were my ‘Catcher In The Rye’ years. -Portland State 📚
Ever read “The Dwarf” -1945 by Par Lagerkvist ?
This is the review that got me hooked on your channel and seeking great literature (besides the Stoner review). Thank you Cliff, your videos and recommendations are a never ending source of refuge from a pretty shitty birthday. Happy All Souls Day Cliff.
The History of Jazz looks dope man. Happy belated birthday
I used to know a successful writer who stated to me once that he vehemently detested the idea of ever moving to Mexico just to get drunk, talk about the good-ole days, and live his remaining life like that. Well, turns out to be one of the greatest novels of all time. 😎❤️
This book seemed, to me, a lot of the inspiration in The Rum Diary.
also I fucking love gun club. really underrated band.
***** I mean seriously.
Microphone recommendation? Make sure switch is off.
Beginning a review of "Under the Volcano" with a drink is sheer perfection. I'm about a fourth of the way into the novel already (I started it last weekend) and between work and my classes, I simply can't put it down. Malcolm Lowry was the ultimate literary bad-ass. Awesome review, by the way. You've just gained a new subscriber because of it!
Have you seen the movie
The sound is great. Doesn't need a microphone....
Perhaps some Philip Roth?
Kiitos hieno arvostelu. Kuka on transleerannut "Under the Volcano" romaanin.
I love to read classic literature... Struggled with, then learned to love Faulkner after almost tapping out on "The Sound and the Fury." Now, when I'm having a drink after work, I love to pop that bad boy open and read some of the beautiful or awful, or vile language that comes out of its characters. I have been an alcoholic for some years and when I read books where people are drinking (I know it's fucking stupid of me, and bad for my health really) but when I read about drinking, I feel like the author is this genius boozebag that's drinking along with me. I thought "Under the Volcano" might be the most enjoyable novel I'll ever read. I've owned it for years and have tried to read it a number of times. I can't... I can't do it. Am I too stupid? I can't read some novelists I suppose. I refuse to even attempt Joyce because I know it will all be lost on me and the only reason I'd read it would be to say that "I read Joyce." I feel upset..like I can't enjoy all these books that people tell me are great. Modernism and postmodernism just frustrate me... I love LOVE certain passages from this novel. It was at times, even for my dumb ass, otherworldly in its prose. But so much of it is referencing poets I don't know off hand... I think that was the major putoff for me. It's like a guy telling you a story and he keeps referencing movies you've never even heard of and gives no context for the reference. Just says like "You know, like that movie, woman in red?" And you say "Oh, I actually haven't seen th-" "Well anyway, it's kinda like that movie, but also, listen to this sentence that will run on for 3 and a half pages and divert into seven thousand tirades, before returning to what the original sentence suggested it would tell you.." Oh fuck, wait... I was writing this seething review of how this novel pissed me off and my last criticism...written while drinking, made me think "Oh, but that's how us drunkards speak!" It's tiradical (that's my new word for 'to make a tirade') and we forget the point we were initially trying to make. I might have just written a pretty meta review wherein I criticize an alcoholic writer for poor writing and then accidentally demonstrate exactly the point he was conveying in his novel...
Also the spanish gives me a hard time.
No mate, you ain't a dumb arsehole, it's not an easy book to read. There's a lot of references to classic literature that most nowadays don't get taught or have read, also a lot of allusion. But I will tell you something, you have to have been an alcoholic to understand it - the real madness and rawness are in it's pages, and Lowry himself spent time in an asylum in NYC caused by his alcoholism. Been there mate, so you know where I'm coming from, but really you need to read it sober 3 or 4 times and then look back at how you felt, and your vision of the world back then.
Hey buddy, love your work. Especial the pessimistic reads! I recently got a Rode i-XY which I plug into my iphone. Sweet little setup with great sound. If you had of recorded this one with it you would have had the stereo effect sound of your rolling into shot. I recommend it, the only other con is would you need to sync it back in your Video software with a clapper. Keep it up! Also, good call with staying seated.
oh shit , reviewing my current read and mentioning The Gun Glub.Subscribed sir
Why would you drink mezcal with ice:(
Best book reviewer ever!
+Jailhouse Bones Rivers Thank you!
nice
Anyone watching this with keen interest, if you've not done so, should watch the NFB documentary Volcano here on UA-cam...narrated by Richard Burton
NFB doc is indeed recommended. Burton does lend his voice, but the narration is not done by him. That dreary voice belongs to an NFB staffer by the name of Donald Brittain. His voice haunts the classroom memories of about two generations of Canadian students.
that mezcal intro... dude, i'm cracking up
I discovered under the volcano from a jeffrey lee interview!! wonderful wonderful book, everyone should read
Under the volcano is great but for me nothing tops Moscow-Petuski by Venedikt Yerofeev
review slaghterhouse five
¡Are you listening Fernando?!
Better Than Food knows about the connection between reading Lowry, JLP and Nick Cave in the early eighties? How old are you? Seriously, hat off to you.
This has been sitting on my bookshelf for a while. it's up next.
+tres trece Tranquila, yo tambien te estokeo :D
what about infinite jest?
It's been done numerous times, but I would love to hear your opinion/review on A Clockwork Orange.
I ain’t got no money, but I’ll pay you before I die: Anna Kavan and Sarah Kane, Cliff.
Just saying....fucking brilliant book
No life, no sunlight.
You might say the mob wouldn't stand for it...
Very sorry, but you say Mr Firmin is the 'counsel' (/ˈkaʊns(ə)l/) whereas he is in fact the 'consul' (/ˈkɒns(ə)l/). I'm not trying to be patronizing, but since it appears you don't know the pronunciation of the word, perhaps you don't know the meaning of it either. A consul is a minor dipolmatic title, under a general consul, who's then under an ambassador. Mr Firmin is no doubt a British consul. I've known a couple of consuls, and they're very often local people, meaning not necessarily from the country they represent. For example, I knew an Englishman who was the consul for Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, in an African country. They are usually found in a country's major city/cities other than its capital city, responsible for minor matters, relating to trade and tourism. The word is related to the Latin 'consulere', which does indeed mean to take counsel.
Also he pronounces "Hugh" like "HyooG" ...
His home is definitely minimalist, and certainly not an author to have post-its covering an entire wall like Will Self.
You got the self epitaph wrong. Close but wrong.
Donate?
If you'd like to here's a link - thank you!
patreon.com/booksarebetterthanfood
Is it so you can buy booze? :)
That's an admirable reason. Let me pass this link on to the wife. She's the boss of our money.
Keep putting out your fine reviews. I now subscribe.
Shan Sober these days though I assure you it will be much appreciated and help spread the word about these books. I've discovered It really helps people, thank you for support and watching!
I'll take that sex tip ahahah
Sounds like Hemingway ! Great chat !
IMO the worst prose i have ever read.
No time is a good time to be drinking mescal if you want to stay out of the psychiatric unit.
lowry yawned me to sleep. what a boring and pathetic writer he was. completely incompetent in literature. he died in his own vomit - he couldn't even be a professional drunk, let alone the writer. lowry definitely wasn't a match for charles bukowskie. reading that book was a waste of my time. anyways, cliff, good luck with your reviews and don't take this comment personally. it's just my opinion. good luck, man!
I think what you mean is it is a very drunk Bukowski's opinion, which you appear to have co-opted after watching a UA-cam clip, very likely without even having read the book.
@@schwaggbagYESI was about to make the same comment. That arsehole Bukowski was just envois. He could spout trashtalk, but could never reach the literary genius (albeit sporadic) of Lowry.