What is magical realism in literature?

Magical realism in literature is a genre that blends fantastical elements with ordinary life. It features ordinary characters whose lives intertwine with the extraordinary, creating a narrative where 'fantasy slips into everyday life' without being questioned or explained by the characters[3][4]. This style often serves as a powerful tool for sociopolitical critique, exploring themes like colonialism and identity while maintaining a grounding in realism[4].

The term was popularized by Latin American authors, notably Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende, who incorporated elements of folklore and myth within their narratives[1][3]. Works of magical realism include 'One Hundred Years of Solitude,' where the extraordinary is treated as a natural part of life[1].

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