The Volcanoes from Puebla

by Kenneth Gangemi

The Volcanoes from Puebla is an account of the authors experiences in Mexico when he was twenty-three years old. Originating in pocket notebooks, composed of 175 sections in alphabetical order, it is a postmodern Bildungsroman. Part novel, memoir, autobiography, travel book, and motorcycle journal, The Volcanoes from Puebla is a poetic and sensitive appreciation of a fascinating country.Structured as an album of personal observations and vignettes, it not only reflects Mexicos own allure, but draws the reader back to its pages time and time again. Highly recommended!Carl Franz, author of The Peoples Guide to Mexico

Genres: Nonfiction

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

American poet and fiction writer.

Reviews

[MJ Nicholls · Rating 3 out of 5]

An A-Z of Gangemi’s reflections travelling through 1960s Mexico. Sparse, exacting sketches and informative, impressionistic nuggets.

[Lisa Dolliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The tone matches the content perfectly. It's feels like a serendipitous jaunt of a ride. Just the sort of book I needed to refresh my palate.

[Michael Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy his style. It's Hemingway-like, which is surprising coming from a poet. The book almost makes me want to go to the small villages of Mexico. Almost.

[Robb Todd]

If you want to know what it's like to ride a motorcycle across Mexico as a young gringo in the '60s, read this book. There's no narrative, it's part memoir, part travelogue, part fiction (which part, who knows), part other things. An interesting read from an author I am getting to know better and want to read more of.