I think there’s a lot of writing from the African continent that blends and runs with magic realism too. I really enjoyed Chicozie Obiome’s ‘Orchestra of Minorities’ which had hints of the genre about it. Loved Kafka’s two seminal books, Bulgakov too. Enjoyed ‘100 Years…’ but think I started and then didn’t finish ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’, and have never quite been sold by Murakami’s and Rushdie’s books, though have tried a few times to be so!
Matt - I will be honest that my reading from Africa has been limited to Chinua Achebe's famous trilogy. I am sorely lacking in exploring that continent's literary contributions so I will check out your recommendation. I haven't read either Kafak or Bulgakov although both are on my list. Murakami is a favorite for me but Rushdie I couldn't stomach. I tried several times to read him and it never stuck.
My latest temptation to return to Rushdie was a recent podcast about the origins of the infamous fatwah. I’ll be linking to that podcast in the next newsletter: it’s fascinating. His essays have always rewarded more than his fiction for me. Must have a go at that Achebe trilogy: like you, it’s a world I’ve really explored so little.
I love the idea of Murakami but also have not been able to completely engross myself. The only time I did was when I read the short story in the New Yorker about the vanishing elephant called... "The Elephant Vanishes." I actually read it more than once and went on a research expedition reading everyone else's opinions about it until I was satisfied I had peeled all of the layers. As a Russian lit major in college, I'm pretty sure I had to read Master and Margarita, but can't recollect any of it! Gogol's absurdism... is that magical realism?
Elizabeth Bowen comes to mind, the Irish-English writer of the early 20th century. Specifically, her ghostly short stories. "The Demon Lover" is one. Another is "The Happy Autumn Fields." They leave you wondering what is real and what is not. And, then you realize, it all just "is" because as fiction it was dreamt up by the mind anyway. Her short stories (the ones specifically that are post-war) are often described as coming from repressed trauma and war neurosis.
Emily, thanks for sharing another author with me. I wasn't familiar with her writing but will definitely check it out. In regards to your other comment above, I am not sure about Gogol but I think I would have to agree with Matt Inwood and say that absurdism is probably a better term for in that case.
Well I am surprised I know and author you don't! With all of your reading... A good friend of mine wrote a book about Bowen and is an expert on her writing. So she introduced me to her. Bowen has a ton of short stories. And a few books (that are not of the magical realism variety).
Your essay clarifies the genre's nuances and highlights its broader significance in literature and society. I particularly appreciate your historical context and thoughtful connections to political critique.
Troy, I haven't read it yet but I might have to now. When I did a little digging I found that this book has been classified as gothic, mystery, historical fiction, metafiction, and magical realism. It seems it aligns closely with many different styles and it sounds fascinating.
Although I'm not THE writer/reader that you are, I am learning so much simply by reading your essays. I also enjoy the comments in which others respond. I almost feel like I'm taking a class, because I'm learning so much. Thanks for sharing.
An excellent write-up, Matthew. I haven't read much magical realism, though the genre does appeal to me. Gabriel Garcia Marquez has been high on my list for a while.
I am going to go back and give him another try one of the days as I think I would have a greater appreciation of his work now than when I was in my twenties.
Matt, your essays really do unlock my curiosity and leave a trail of breadcrumbs to more explorations. I am getting over my ‘wasted years’ when it comes to reading and relishing the signposts of the kind you offer towards future reads. Thank you.
Great piece Matthew, so interesting, thank you! I’ve read a couple of Neil Gaiman’s books (loved them) and just read Kafka’s Before the Law but no one else from this list. I’ll be looking to add to my to-read list. 🙂
Matthew, I had no idea what Magical Realism is/was and your essay certainly helped...I have a grandson who's obsessed with Gaiman's "Coraline" and the story has puzzled me. I don't know that I understand it and probably won't dive in, but who knows???
Thank you for expanding my knowledge about books a teensy bit more today.
Jody, you are very welcome. It took me a bit to warm up to the genre as well and some of it I just don't understand even now. I do enjoy Gaiman's work and I have all his books in my personal collection. I think he is one of the more approachable authors in the genre. "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" is an absolutely beautiful story. Also "Stardust" is excellent and was also made into a movie. "Coraline" was made into a movie as well. Some of his other books are darker and definitely for an adult audience but equally good.
Matthew, I appreciate your recommendations. I've tried to read the ocean at the end of the line, and might search it out. Again. I appreciate your perspective, thanks.
(PS. My grandson has his own copy of the movie Coraline and has tried to get me interested in it ... I will have to ask him next time I see him what exactly it is about the story that intrigues him!)
One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of the landmarks of my reading life. I'm not naturally inclined toward magical realism, but Marquez, like other great masters of the style, won me over immediately on several counts, including, in his case, what seems its consanguinity with the great historical sweep of that story.
Jay, yes, I definitely need to give Marquez another try. I was in my early 20s when I first tried reading him, and my literary palette was not as refined or attuned to literary nuance as it is today. I will say the genre is hit or miss with me. Some of the writers in this style I really enjoy and appreciate. Others, not so much. Like trying new foods, I enjoy reading lots of new things, seeing what works for me and what doesn't, and trying to understand the hidden layers that make it delectable (or not). Thanks for reading.
Great post, Matthew. I loved The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa which is part of this genre, I think! And have read many of the authors on your list. I enjoy all pondering on the nature of reality and the ones we’ve created for ourselves.
I haven't read that one but I am fairly certain it does fall in the realm of magical realism. I will have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez is my inspiration - Chronicle of a Death Foretold - the imagery lives in my visceral memory. Thank you so much for this. I had been drifting back into easy books to read when tired. (😔). And lazy. You have reminded me of the books I should be reading. Your readers leave wonderful comments too!
Thanks Cecilia! I am glad you enjoyed the essay and maybe feel inspired to grab something more challenging. Trust me though, easy reads are great at times! I love the Joe Pickett series by C.J. Box. Those won't be winning any awards but when I just need something relaxing, that is my go to. I do have a great community of readers. I feel very blessed.
Thank you so much! As you can imagine late summer is busy on the farm! And one of the reasons I read - daily - particularly in the evening is to ensure a good sound sleep. I read for my personal edification (with a pencil in my hand) on planes and trains or in the dark winter months. Thank you for this light reading recommendation. I am just finishing up Pearl Bucks Earth series. And could do with something with a little more air! Though I love her style.
I think there’s a lot of writing from the African continent that blends and runs with magic realism too. I really enjoyed Chicozie Obiome’s ‘Orchestra of Minorities’ which had hints of the genre about it. Loved Kafka’s two seminal books, Bulgakov too. Enjoyed ‘100 Years…’ but think I started and then didn’t finish ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’, and have never quite been sold by Murakami’s and Rushdie’s books, though have tried a few times to be so!
Matt - I will be honest that my reading from Africa has been limited to Chinua Achebe's famous trilogy. I am sorely lacking in exploring that continent's literary contributions so I will check out your recommendation. I haven't read either Kafak or Bulgakov although both are on my list. Murakami is a favorite for me but Rushdie I couldn't stomach. I tried several times to read him and it never stuck.
My latest temptation to return to Rushdie was a recent podcast about the origins of the infamous fatwah. I’ll be linking to that podcast in the next newsletter: it’s fascinating. His essays have always rewarded more than his fiction for me. Must have a go at that Achebe trilogy: like you, it’s a world I’ve really explored so little.
I love the idea of Murakami but also have not been able to completely engross myself. The only time I did was when I read the short story in the New Yorker about the vanishing elephant called... "The Elephant Vanishes." I actually read it more than once and went on a research expedition reading everyone else's opinions about it until I was satisfied I had peeled all of the layers. As a Russian lit major in college, I'm pretty sure I had to read Master and Margarita, but can't recollect any of it! Gogol's absurdism... is that magical realism?
I’m keeping my absurdist clutches around Gogol! ;)
Elizabeth Bowen comes to mind, the Irish-English writer of the early 20th century. Specifically, her ghostly short stories. "The Demon Lover" is one. Another is "The Happy Autumn Fields." They leave you wondering what is real and what is not. And, then you realize, it all just "is" because as fiction it was dreamt up by the mind anyway. Her short stories (the ones specifically that are post-war) are often described as coming from repressed trauma and war neurosis.
Emily, thanks for sharing another author with me. I wasn't familiar with her writing but will definitely check it out. In regards to your other comment above, I am not sure about Gogol but I think I would have to agree with Matt Inwood and say that absurdism is probably a better term for in that case.
Well I am surprised I know and author you don't! With all of your reading... A good friend of mine wrote a book about Bowen and is an expert on her writing. So she introduced me to her. Bowen has a ton of short stories. And a few books (that are not of the magical realism variety).
Great essay Matthew 🙏
Thank you good Sir!
Your essay clarifies the genre's nuances and highlights its broader significance in literature and society. I particularly appreciate your historical context and thoughtful connections to political critique.
Thanks Jon. I enjoyed going down the rabbit hole on this one and discovering a lot about the genre.
What an excellent essay, Matthew! You really got to the heart of the genre here. Thank you for your deep exploration of an interesting genre.
Thanks Kate!
Oh! And thank you for the mention! 😀
You are quite welcome.
Such a great genre. Would you consider The Shadow of the Wind to be magical realism? I loved reading that book.
Troy, I haven't read it yet but I might have to now. When I did a little digging I found that this book has been classified as gothic, mystery, historical fiction, metafiction, and magical realism. It seems it aligns closely with many different styles and it sounds fascinating.
Oh, nice! It’s a great read. I never read the sequels, but that first book has always stayed with me. I think you might really enjoy it.
Although I'm not THE writer/reader that you are, I am learning so much simply by reading your essays. I also enjoy the comments in which others respond. I almost feel like I'm taking a class, because I'm learning so much. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Mom. I appreciate the kind words.
An excellent write-up, Matthew. I haven't read much magical realism, though the genre does appeal to me. Gabriel Garcia Marquez has been high on my list for a while.
I am going to go back and give him another try one of the days as I think I would have a greater appreciation of his work now than when I was in my twenties.
Matt, your essays really do unlock my curiosity and leave a trail of breadcrumbs to more explorations. I am getting over my ‘wasted years’ when it comes to reading and relishing the signposts of the kind you offer towards future reads. Thank you.
Absolutely my friend! Glad to be of service and I sincerely appreciate the kind words.
Great piece Matthew, so interesting, thank you! I’ve read a couple of Neil Gaiman’s books (loved them) and just read Kafka’s Before the Law but no one else from this list. I’ll be looking to add to my to-read list. 🙂
I am a big fan of Gaiman's book as well. I hope you find something from the list that you enjoy!
Matthew, I had no idea what Magical Realism is/was and your essay certainly helped...I have a grandson who's obsessed with Gaiman's "Coraline" and the story has puzzled me. I don't know that I understand it and probably won't dive in, but who knows???
Thank you for expanding my knowledge about books a teensy bit more today.
Jody, you are very welcome. It took me a bit to warm up to the genre as well and some of it I just don't understand even now. I do enjoy Gaiman's work and I have all his books in my personal collection. I think he is one of the more approachable authors in the genre. "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" is an absolutely beautiful story. Also "Stardust" is excellent and was also made into a movie. "Coraline" was made into a movie as well. Some of his other books are darker and definitely for an adult audience but equally good.
Matthew, I appreciate your recommendations. I've tried to read the ocean at the end of the line, and might search it out. Again. I appreciate your perspective, thanks.
(PS. My grandson has his own copy of the movie Coraline and has tried to get me interested in it ... I will have to ask him next time I see him what exactly it is about the story that intrigues him!)
One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of the landmarks of my reading life. I'm not naturally inclined toward magical realism, but Marquez, like other great masters of the style, won me over immediately on several counts, including, in his case, what seems its consanguinity with the great historical sweep of that story.
Jay, yes, I definitely need to give Marquez another try. I was in my early 20s when I first tried reading him, and my literary palette was not as refined or attuned to literary nuance as it is today. I will say the genre is hit or miss with me. Some of the writers in this style I really enjoy and appreciate. Others, not so much. Like trying new foods, I enjoy reading lots of new things, seeing what works for me and what doesn't, and trying to understand the hidden layers that make it delectable (or not). Thanks for reading.
Great post, Matthew. I loved The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa which is part of this genre, I think! And have read many of the authors on your list. I enjoy all pondering on the nature of reality and the ones we’ve created for ourselves.
I haven't read that one but I am fairly certain it does fall in the realm of magical realism. I will have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation.
It blew my mind!
I have added it to my TBR list. Thanks Amanda.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez is my inspiration - Chronicle of a Death Foretold - the imagery lives in my visceral memory. Thank you so much for this. I had been drifting back into easy books to read when tired. (😔). And lazy. You have reminded me of the books I should be reading. Your readers leave wonderful comments too!
Thanks Cecilia! I am glad you enjoyed the essay and maybe feel inspired to grab something more challenging. Trust me though, easy reads are great at times! I love the Joe Pickett series by C.J. Box. Those won't be winning any awards but when I just need something relaxing, that is my go to. I do have a great community of readers. I feel very blessed.
Thank you so much! As you can imagine late summer is busy on the farm! And one of the reasons I read - daily - particularly in the evening is to ensure a good sound sleep. I read for my personal edification (with a pencil in my hand) on planes and trains or in the dark winter months. Thank you for this light reading recommendation. I am just finishing up Pearl Bucks Earth series. And could do with something with a little more air! Though I love her style.