The writers of Latin America may have popularized magical realism, but it's written and appreciated throughout the world. Check out the following list of well-known titles; it's merely a snapshot of the larger world of magical realism. And get some great ideas for your future reading!
Canada
The Invention of the World by Jack Hodgins

Czechoslovakia
Immortality by Milan Kundera

Denmark
The History of Danish Dreams by Peter Høeg

Germany
The Tin Drum by Günter Grass

India
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

India/U.K.
Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

Iran
Moonlight on the Avenue of Faith by Gina Nahai

Israel
The Tales by Nahman of Bratslav

Italy
Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino

Japan
The Face of Another by Kobo Abe

Morocco
The Sand Child by Tahar Ben-Jelloun

Mozambique
Voices Made Night by Mia Couto

New Zealand
The Bone People by Keri Hulme

Nigeria
The Famished Road by Ben Okri

Philippines
When The Elephants Dance by Tess Uriza Holthe

Russia
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

Serbia
Landscape Painted With Tea by Milorad Pavic

South Africa
Maru by Bessie Head

Tanzania
The Book of Secrets by M.G. Vassanji

Tibet
Invitation of a Century by Tashi Dawa

U.K.
Nights at the Circus by Angela Carter

U.S.
The Beet Queen by Louise Erdrich


For other thoughts on future reading, or to discover more magically real works, check out the Oprah's Book Club archive!
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Films for the Humanities and Sciences

For more information about magical realism, go to MARGIN: Exploring Modern Magical Realism.  
Published 01/20/2004

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