Magical realism is a literary genre that possesses a unique ability to capture readers by seamlessly blending the fantastical with the real world. It pushes the boundaries of our imagination and challenges the constraints of traditional storytelling. With stories filled with enchantment and authenticity, magical realism invites us to question the very nature of reality and embrace the extraordinary lurking within the mundane. If you are new to the genre, here are ten magical realism books that you can begin your spellbinding journey with.
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami is a mesmerising tale that captivates readers with its intricate and enigmatic storylines. The novel follows two protagonists, Kafka Tamura and Nakata, whose paths intertwine in a world filled with talking cats, surreal occurrences, and hidden mysteries. Murakami combines magical elements with real-world experiences, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.
Through its thought-provoking exploration of identity, fate, and existential questions, Kafka on the Shore immerses readers in a realm where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. With its richly imaginative narrative and compelling characters, the book serves as a remarkable introduction to the genre of magical realism.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a heartwarming novel about Mika Moon, a young witch who has been raised to hide her magic and stay away from other witches. As an orphan, Mike has always felt isolated and alone, but she finds solace in an online community where she posts videos pretending the be a witch.
However, when an unexpected message invites Mika to teach three young witches how to control their magic in a remote and mysterious location called Nowhere House, she cannot resist the opportunity to help others like herself. Author Mandanna gives us a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, found family and the power of belonging. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a charming and uplifting read that will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman is a spellbinding tale that delves into the fantastical world of childhood imagination and memory. The story unfolds through the eyes of a young boy who embarks on a haunting and transformative journey after a series of magical events.
Gaiman blends elements of reality and fantasy, creating a narrative that blurs the lines between the ordinary and the extraordinary. With its evocative writing, vivid imagery, and exploration of themes such as the power of belief and the resilience of the human spirit, The Ocean at the End of the Lane serves as a mesmerising introduction to the genre of magical realism.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig takes you on a transformative journey of self-discovery and second chances. In this thought-provoking novel, a library exists beyond the boundaries of the universe. This library contains an infinite number of books, each representing a different reality and telling the story of what could have been if different choices were made in one’s life. This is what Nora Seed faces. She has been given an opportunity to explore these alternative lives and potentially change her own.
The Midnight Library is an introspective and moving story that explores the human desire to imagine and contemplate alternative destinies. It encourages you to cherish the present and appreciate the beauty of the lives you are currently living, while also acknowledging the power of choice and the potential for transformation.
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender is a mesmerizing novel that combines magical realism to tell a haunting generational saga. The story revolves around the Roux family, known for their history of foolish love. The latest member of the family, Ava Lavender, is born with the wings of a bird, setting her apart from others. As Ava grows up, she yearns to understand her peculiar condition and strives to fit in with her peers.
Her journey leads her into the wider world, where she faces unexpected discoveries and encounters the twisted motives of others. The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender transports you to a world filled with enchantment and heartache. It celebrates the human experience, capturing both the tragic and exquisite aspects of love and what it means to be alive.
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
In this captivating and multi-layered novel is a blended detective story, a portrayal of a disintegrating marriage and an exploration of buried secrets. The story unfolds in a Tokyo suburb, where we meet Toru Okada as he embarks on a mission to find his wife’s missing cat. However, this seemingly straightforward quest leads him into a mysterious underworld that exists beneath the surface of the city.
The Wind-up Bird Chronicle stands as a monumental achievement of contemporary literature. For those seeking a novel that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling and invites contemplation on the nature of existence and the complexities of the human soul.
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
Like Water for Chocolate is a captivating novel that tells the story of Tita, a young woman who defies societal expectations and expresses her emotions through the art of cooking. Set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution, Esquivel blends magical elements seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of the characters and their experiences.
Through Tita’s culinary creations, emotions are infused into the food, resulting in magical and transformative effects on those who consume it. This combination of magical elements and everyday life makes Like Water for Chocolate a wonderful introduction to the genre of magical realism, showcasing its ability to blend the ordinary and the fantastical to explore themes of love, passion, and empowerment.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a heartwarming and thought-provoking tale set in a small café in Tokyo. The story revolves around the café’s unique time-traveling chair that allows customers to revisit the past or communicate with loved ones in the future. As the characters grapple with regrets, missed opportunities, and unspoken words, the chair presents them with a chance at redemption.
Kawaguchi weaves magical elements into the everyday setting, creating a poignant exploration of human relationships and the complexities of time. Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a captivating introduction to magical realism, showcasing how the genre can delve into profound emotional journeys and remind us of the power of second chances.
Garden Spells (Waverley Family) by Sarah Addison Allen
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen is a delightful and enchanting tale that follows the Waverley sisters, Claire and Sydney, who possess a unique gift for growing magical plants in their family’s garden. Set in the quaint town of Bascom, North Carolina, the story explores themes of family, love, and self-discovery.
Garden Spells is a captivating introduction to magical realism, demonstrating how the genre can infuse ordinary lives with a touch of the extraordinary, creating a world that is both familiar and magical.
Practical Magic (Practical Magic Series) by Alice Hoffman
Practical Magic is a captivating novel that follows the lives of the Owens sisters as they navigate challenges and explore the complexities of love and magic. The Owens women have endured a long-standing reputation in their Massachusetts town as being responsible for all the misfortunes that occur Gillian and Sally, the sisters at the centre of the story, have grown up as outsiders, constantly subjected to whispers and prejudices because of their family’s supposed connection to witchcraft.
The genre of magical realism offers a delightful escape from reality, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary. Do you enjoy magical realism books for beginners? Have you read any of these novels? Comment below and let us know!