Discovering Magic Realism - and why you should read these books ...
Ever heard of magic realism? Curious about what it is? Let me give you a short introduction and tell you about my favorite books within this genre.
What is magic realism?
This form of art - in its wider sense, meaning visual arts, literature, and so on - represents the fusion of actual reality (tangible, visible, rational) and magical reality (hallucinations, dreams). It is a "third reality," a synthesis of the familiar realities to us. The transition to surrealism, another category, is fluid.
It is mainly a genre in literature and in paintings or at least more known as such. It evolved during the 1920s mainly in Europe and America. In the late 1940s it became a major literary movement in Latin America.
Magic realism in literature is closely related to the 3 genres of social realism, fantasy and surrealism. Some see it as a subcategory of fantasy.
Famous authors
Well-known writers of magic realism include Isabel Allende, Jorge Luis Borges, Gabriel García Márquez, Haruki Murakami and Mikhail Bulgakov.
Why I enjoy it so much
Now first off, I have to say that I enjoy realism, fantasy and, well, the in-between of the two: magic realism. I wouldn't say I really have any preferences here. However, magic realism has a really unique side to it being a mixture of both other genres.
Throughout my journey in the magic realism genre, I find the books to be very special and unique. To illustrate: How many fantasy novels are out there with wizards or dragons or trolls or all of them? A ton. A lot are quite alike. Don't get me wrong, I still love to read them! But with books of magic realism ... well, it's just very different, unparalleled, perhaps more creative, even very bizarre and strange in some cases. At the same time the fictional worlds don't seem so far off as the fantastic ones, they seem possible and somehow that enhances the reading experience. I find myself getting pulled deeper into the story, because it is so plausible and credible even though I know it's not realistic, even though I know a head can't talk once it is detached from its body (see The Master and Magarita).
Penguin Random House put in perfectly into a nutshell when stating that in magic realism "the familiar becomes strange, and the strange in return becomes ordinary. Through study and innovation, literary visionaries examine the complexities of being human by building worlds that are unexpected yet resonate deeply with readers."
My favorite magic realism books
3. Haruki Murakami's Sputnik Sweetheart
This author is generally known for his works as part of the magic realism genre. The most famous novel being Kafka on the Shore (which I haven't read yet!). In Sputnik Sweetheart the main character, Sumire, finds herself deeply enamored with a woman who is seventeen years older than her, Miu, and who exudes glamour and success, a striking contrast to Sumire's aspiring writer persona, characterized by her penchant for oversized second-hand coats and heavy boots.
In their extensive phone conversations, Sumire and her best friend, K, delve into life's profound inquiries, grappling with the complexities of sexual desire and pondering whether Sumire should reveal her feelings to Miu. Concurrently, K wrestles with his own dilemma, contemplating whether to confess his love for Sumire.
The narrative takes a sudden turn when a distressed Miu reaches out from a secluded Greek island, revealing that Sumire has inexplicably disappeared.
Sputnik Sweetheart is masterfully written and a story of unrequited love and longing.
This is the story of a very special circus, one that materializes without warning, appearing where there was nothing of the sort just the day before. Enclosed within the striped canvas tents lies an entirely unparalleled encounter brimming with astonishing wonders. It goes by the name Le Cirque des Rêves, and its doors swing open exclusively under the cloak of night.
Yet, concealed behind the enchanting spectacle, a fierce rivalry unfolds—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco. Since childhood, they've undergone rigorous training for this very purpose, guided by their unpredictable mentors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a contest in which only one will emerge victorious, and the circus serves as the grand stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and determination.
However, Celia and Marco plunge headlong into love—a profound, magical connection that causes lights to dance and rooms to warm whenever their hands touch. Whether genuine love or not, the game must run its course, and the destinies of everyone involved, from the extraordinary circus performers to the audience, hang in the balance, suspended as delicately as the daring acrobats above.
Enchanting and romantic.
1.B Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Magarita
On a fine spring day, the Devil, leaving a trail of fire and chaos, emerges from the shadows and infiltrates Moscow during the time of the Soviet Union. He and his allegiance, including a talking cat, are up to all sorts of mischief and hoax, like a theatre in which a person's is disconnect for the entertainment of the audience and the man begs to have his head back.
Then, there is a second story, the one of Jesus and Pontius Pilate in ancient Jerusalem.
The two stories run parallel, alternating. Both realms are teeming with a mix of historical, fantastical, ominous, and extraordinary characters. Bulgakov's whimsical, humorous, and profoundly satirical take on Soviet existence unfolds in two intricately connected segments.
Truly, I loved this book. For one, it is super unique and creative. I haven't come across anything only slightly similar to it. Then, I loved most of the characters. Plus, the two stories really have various layers to offer, to give the reader chance and space to contemplate on issues. And last but not least: Bulgakov's novel shines with a superb writing style. Some lines have actually edged themselves into my memory.
I'm not alone with this view: The Master and Margarita is one of the most famous and best-selling Russian novels of the 20th century.
Grimus is Rushdie's debut, and it is a remarkable literary one. In it unfolds the tale of Flapping Eagle, a youthful Axona Indian bestowed with eternal life after imbibing an elixir from his unconventional sister. However, after navigating the world's oceans for 777 years, he grows weary of existence and embarks on a quest to discover the enigmatic Calf Island. This is a sanctuary where his immortal peers have congregated, forging their unique version of the human race.
Yet, Calf Island proves to be a peculiar realm, echoing the dual nature of its inhabitants—blessed and cursed alike. Sensing an ominous darkness permeating the heart of the island, Flapping Eagle resolves to ascend its summit and confront the enigmatic and influential creator, Grimus himself.
Grimus is a story that is very unique, sometimes strange, sometimes deeply funny, always compelling. It's my favorite of all of Rushdie's works.
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