So You Want To Read Magical Realism ? (Complete Reading Guide)

Magical realism is a genre of fiction that blends elements of the supernatural or magical with the real world. It often features dreamlike or surreal elements and explores themes of identity, memory, and spirituality. One of the most well-known authors in this genre is Haruki Murakami, whose books have gained a large following around the world.

In this video, we'll discuss the characteristics of magical realism, explore its origins, and showcase some of the best books in the genre. We'll recommend books that are similar in style to Murakami's works, including "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle," "The Cat Who Saved Books," and "Before The Coffee gets Cold."

So, if you're a fan of magical realism and looking for your next read, this video is for you! Join me as I delve into this fascinating genre and discover some amazing new books to add to your collection.

The Books In This Video:

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Norwegian Wood by Murakami

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Murakami

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[cafeaulivre]

My own love for magical realism began in high school, where I had to read 'The Coming of Joachim Stiller' by Hubert Lampo, which is still one of my favorite books up to today. Seems sometimes these school literature lists are useful after all 😂

[meowman]

Talking about Japanese Magical realism genre I think Makoto Shinkai's works qualify too, I recently read his She and Her Cat (the Book not the manga), and ofc I feel Kimi no na wa is one of the greatest story told to my generation.

[alexislopez]

I read "Like Water For Chocolate" in the original Spanish. It's the only magical realism novel that I've read cover to cover.

[baeumchen]

I've read some Kafka but wasn't aware that's considered Magical Realism ... I've to add Before the Coffee gets Cold to my wishlist now ...
YOU, good sir, are an aweful influence on my ever growing pile of books.

(Just kidding. Keep the recommendations coming)

[apoetreadstowrite]

Ah, thanks for this. Magic realism is one of my favourite genres. In Australia there's an absolute classic example called 'Cloudstreet' by Tim Winton, but yes, I love all the Japanese examples you cover also. Have you read Salman Rushdie's contributions to the tradition? Magic realism is such an astounding & surprising genre.

[hauthot]

I have read one magical realist book, The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki, abt a Japanese-American boy who randomly starts hearing inanimate objects speak. Although I am currently reading Beloved by Toni Morrison which is mainly abt a mother, Sethe, and her daughter, Denver, who live in a house haunted by Sethes dead baby who died before she could name her and only has Beloved on her grave, so she’s referred to as Beloved. Beloved randomly comes back as a 19 year old, and Sethe also reckons with her past as a slave

[katiedawson]

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey is a great magical realism book.

[didehermans]

such an interesting video!!! i look forward to reading all the cat books! 🐈‍⬛😻

[JafarQasim]

Very informative, beautiful, and excellent video! You reminded me of a couple of titles that I should read again! :D

[tyghe_bright]

I was surprised when looking at a lot of people's favorite fantasy novels, because they don't include magical realism. I guess it's generally considered more literary than genre... but I *love* so many books that are (or could be considered) magical realism.
Like Water for Chocolate and Sexing the Cherry are among my favorite books.
But there are authors who really fall in the cracks between fantasy and magical realism and who, despite getting critical recognition, are largely overlooked today. Specifically, John Crowley and Tim Powers, but Octavia Butler (especially Kindred), to an extent as well.

[Legato]

Bellefleur by Joyce Carol Oates is a terrific example of magical realism, as is her next novel, A Bloodsmoor Romance.

[sniffingthesheets]

Two seconds in and I am promised cats! I am here to stay..

[gabiocampos]

What is the difference between surrealism and magical realism?

[prove_it]

Ummm... are you sure that's your Goodreads link?