This is a continuation of the Science Fiction / Fantasy Genre
Glossary Project posts. For the complete genre index click here.
What is magical realism? A genre where magical/supernatural
elements are blended seamlessly with the reality of our world.
These magical events may are unexplained and are treated as
mundane occurrences. Magical realism is not escapist, but shows
the world from the eyes of characters whose perception of
reality may differ from the norm. Magical realism has its roots
in the literature of Latin America, but has lately become a term
used in English-language literature. The definition is often
disputed. See the further discussion links below for information
on the history and controversies surrounding magical realism.
"[Magic realism] is like a polite way of saying you write
fantasy." Terry Prachett Do you have a different definition?