The Difference Between Magical Realism & Fantasy

Magical realism takes place in a world intimately connected to ours. If not for the magic, the setting would be within our world — and devoid of wonder.

Fantasy, meanwhile, takes place in a world expressly disconnected from ours. It may use the material of our world to create, but the relationship between our world and the world of fantasy is like paint’s relationship to its canvas: material to be manipulated against the formless void.

Magical realism takes place here.

Fantasy, “anywhere whatsoever, anywhither, whitthersoever,” — as long as it’s not here.

Share the Post:

Latest Posts

The Books I Read in 2024

My 2024 reading marathon included my favorite genres of fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi, a smattering of religious history, and several audiobooks and graphic novels. This year, I broke the list down into my favorite books of the year, plus the runners up, followed by the whole list with highlights on my recommendations. I hope you find at least a couple that you can add to next year’s list!

Read More