Magical realism blends the everyday with the extraordinary, allowing readers to experience the real world through a lens of subtle magic and wonder.
Below we explore the top 25 magical realism books – split into 10 classic novels that defined the genre and 15 modern novels (post-2000) that carry the tradition forward. Each book includes a brief synopsis, notes on who might enjoy it, and links to find it on Amazon and Goodreads.
Top 10 Classic Magical Realism Novels
1. One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel García Márquez (1967)
Synopsis: This sweeping multi-generational saga follows the Buendía family in the mythical town of Macondo. Márquez chronicles their triumphs and tragedies over a century, blending everyday life with fantastical events – from ghostly apparitions to miraculous happenings.
Through richly layered storytelling, the novel explores themes of love, fate, and the cyclical nature of history in Latin America.
Who Should Read It: Lovers of epic family epics and lush, poetic prose will treasure this book. It’s often considered the quintessential magical realist novel, perfect for readers who enjoy immersive storytelling with a touch of the surreal. Fans of historical fiction and Latin American literature (this novel helped Márquez win a Nobel Prize) will also find it essential.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
2. The Master and Margarita – Mikhail Bulgakov (written 1930s, publ. 1967)
Synopsis: In Stalin-era Moscow, the Devil (disguised as a mysterious professor) and his demonic entourage descend upon the city’s literary elite, wreaking havoc even as they stage a surreal satirical critique of Soviet society. Meanwhile, a parallel narrative set in biblical Jerusalem recounts Pontius Pilate’s encounter with Jesus. These threads connect with the story of the “Master,” a tormented writer, and Margarita, who is willing to make a bargain to save him.
Darkly comedic and rich with allegory, Bulgakov’s novel mixes political satire with supernatural fantasy.
Who Should Read It: Those who enjoy satire, political allegory, or Faustian tales will be captivated by this novel’s wit and depth. It’s a must-read for fans of Russian literature or anyone who appreciates stories where the fantastical exposes societal truths. If you liked Good Omens or the idea of the Devil strolling through a city causing mischief, The Master and Margarita will enchant you.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
3. Midnight’s Children – Salman Rushdie (1981)
Synopsis: Saleem Sinai is born at the exact stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947 – the moment India gains independence. He grows up discovering that all children born in that first hour of freedom are magically connected and possess special gifts. Saleem himself has telepathic powers and an oversensitive nose, and through his life story (inextricably linked with India’s modern history) he brings together the other “midnight’s children”.
The novel is an exuberant blend of historical fiction and magical realism, using Saleem’s fantastical experiences as an allegory for the birth of India and Pakistan and the tumult of postcolonial history.
Who Should Read It: Readers who enjoy sprawling, adventurous novels with political and historical underpinnings will love this Booker Prize–winning classic. If you’re fascinated by South Asian history or enjoy allegorical tales (think Forrest Gump meets magic), Midnight’s Children is for you. Its energetic narrative and larger-than-life characters will appeal to those who appreciated The God of Small Things or other richly detailed cultural epics.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
4. Beloved – Toni Morrison (1987)
Synopsis: Set after the American Civil War, this Pulitzer-winning novel tells the haunting story of Sethe, an escaped enslaved woman in Ohio who is haunted by the ghost of the daughter she tragically lost. The appearance of a young woman called “Beloved” – who may be the embodied spirit of Sethe’s deceased child – forces Sethe and her family to confront the pain and trauma of their past. Through lyrical prose and touches of the supernatural, Morrison explores the psychological scars of slavery and the enduring power of a mother’s love.
Who Should Read It: Beloved is essential for readers who appreciate deeply emotional, character-driven stories with profound themes. If you are drawn to historical fiction that addresses racial injustice or enjoy ghost stories used as metaphors (similar to The Haunting of Hill House in tone, but rooted in real history), this novel will move you. It’s a challenging but rewarding read for anyone interested in American literature and stories that give voice to the silenced.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
5. The House of the Spirits – Isabel Allende (1982)
Synopsis: This landmark Chilean novel follows three generations of the Trueba family, from the early 20th century into the era of revolutionary upheaval. At the center is Clara del Valle, a clairvoyant matriarch whose psychic gifts infuse the family’s tumultuous story with spiritual wonder. Allende weaves personal lives with political events, as the family’s fortunes rise and fall alongside Chile’s history.
The narrative is rich with magical elements – from communicating with spirits to prophetic visions – amid themes of love, class struggle, and tyranny.
Who Should Read It: Fans of family sagas like Roots or One Hundred Years of Solitude will find this novel riveting. If you enjoy historical backdrops mixed with mysticism (and don’t mind a dash of romance and melodrama), The House of the Spirits is a perfect choice. It’s also ideal for readers looking to explore Latin American literature, especially those who appreciated Allende’s contemporary Eva Luna or García Márquez’s works.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
6. Like Water for Chocolate – Laura Esquivel (1989)
Synopsis: Set in early 20th-century Mexico, this beloved novel centers on Tita, a young woman forbidden to marry her true love (Pedro) due to family tradition. Tita’s emotions infuse the food she cooks with literal magic – her joy, longing, or sorrow deeply affect all who taste her dishes. Each chapter is framed as a monthly recipe, blending culinary art with Tita’s passionate, sometimes heart-wrenching story.
Expect a flavorful mix of romance, humor, and magical moments (from tears that turn to salt in cake batter to meals that induce weeping or lust).
Who Should Read It: If you love food and fiction (think Chocolat or Babette’s Feast), this novel is a feast for the senses. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy romance with a twist of magic and a touch of cultural folklore. Fans of family dramas and anyone who appreciates the idea that cooking can be an act of love (or heartbreak) will savor this story. Keep some tissues (and maybe some chocolate) nearby!
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
7. Pedro Páramo – Juan Rulfo (1955)
Synopsis: Often cited as an inspiration for García Márquez, this slim Mexican classic is set in the ghost town of Comala. A young man named Juan Preciado travels to Comala to find his estranged father, Pedro Páramo, only to encounter a surreal, otherworldly place inhabited by whispers and spirits of the past. As Juan wanders the town, the fragmented stories of Comala’s deceased residents – and the sins of the landowner Pedro Páramo – gradually emerge.
The novel’s dreamlike structure and haunting imagery offer a poetic meditation on guilt, tyranny, and the afterlife.
Who Should Read It: This is perfect for readers who appreciate atmospheric, experimental narratives (similar in feel to a Guillermo del Toro ghost story or Dante’s Inferno). If you enjoyed One Hundred Years of Solitude or Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying, you’ll likely admire Rulfo’s influence on magical realism. At just over 100 pages, it’s a great choice for those looking to explore a foundational work of Latin American literature without committing to a lengthy tome.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
8. The Tin Drum – Günter Grass (1959)
Synopsis: Oskar Matzerath, born in 1924, decides at the age of three to stop growing – and indeed he remains in a child’s body forever. Armed with his beloved tin drum (which he uses to express himself) and a voice that can shatter glass, Oskar narrates his life through the rise of Nazism, World War II, and its aftermath in Germany. By refusing to grow up, Oskar protests the absurdities of adulthood and war.
Grass’s novel mixes gritty historical reality with outrageous, often comic magical occurrences, creating an unforgettable anti-hero in Oskar.
Who Should Read It: Readers who don’t mind a bit of the bizarre and grotesque in their satire will appreciate this Nobel Prize–winning novel. It’s recommended for those interested in European postwar literature, or anyone who enjoyed Slaughterhouse-Five’s mix of dark humor and war commentary. Be prepared for provocative symbolism and scenes that range from laugh-out-loud absurd to deeply unsettling – The Tin Drum is as challenging as it is rewarding.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
9. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho (1988)
Synopsis: Coelho’s internationally bestselling fable follows Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd who dreams of finding a worldly treasure. His quest takes him from Spain to the Egyptian desert, guided by mystical signs, encounters with wise figures (like an alchemist), and a growing understanding of his own “Personal Legend.” Along the way, Santiago learns spiritual lessons about listening to his heart and following one’s dreams.
Blending simple storytelling with philosophical insight, The Alchemist presents a universe where fate and coincidence are infused with a hint of everyday magic.
Who Should Read It: This gentle, uplifting tale is ideal for readers seeking inspiration or a philosophical pick-me-up. If you enjoy parables like The Little Prince or Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Coelho’s style will resonate. It’s also a great choice for those new to magical realism – the magic here is more spiritual and allegorical, making the book accessible to a wide audience (teens and adults alike). In short, read this if you’re chasing your dreams or could use a reminder that “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
10. Nights at the Circus – Angela Carter (1984)
Synopsis: Part fairy tale, part feminist picaresque, this novel introduces Sophie Fevvers – a bold, bawdy circus aerialist who literally has wings. Is she a genuine winged woman or an ingenious hoax? That question brings American journalist Jack Walser to join the circus and uncover the truth. Their journey takes us through a fantastical late-19th-century Europe and Siberia, filled with eccentric characters (clowns, tigers, strongmen) and surreal events.
Carter’s story brims with magical happenings and earthy humor as it explores themes of gender, freedom, and metamorphosis.
Who Should Read It: If you enjoy imaginative reworkings of fairy tales or the exuberant style of authors like Neil Gaiman or Erin Morgenstern, you’ll be delighted by Nights at the Circus. It’s especially recommended for readers who appreciate strong female protagonists and a carnival-like, Moulin Rouge! aesthetic in their fiction. Fans of The Night Circus (featured below) or Water for Elephants may also find Carter’s wild circus world captivating – with an extra layer of clever social commentary.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
15 Modern Magical Realism Novels (Post-2000)
1. Life of Pi – Yann Martel (2001)
Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Pi Patel, the son of an Indian zookeeper, survives a shipwreck in the Pacific – only to find himself on a lifeboat with an unlikely companion: a 450-pound Bengal tiger. Thus begins an extraordinary 227-day odyssey across the ocean, during which Pi must use all his wits to coexist with the tiger (named Richard Parker).
Along the way, Pi encounters fantastical sights – such as a carnivorous floating island – that test the boundaries between reality and imagination. This modern classic is at once a survival adventure and a spiritual fable about faith, storytelling, and the nature of truth.
Who Should Read It: Life of Pi is perfect for readers who enjoy thought-provoking adventure stories (if you liked The Old Man and the Sea or The Jungle Book, this will appeal). It’s also a great choice for those who appreciate a philosophical twist – the novel raises questions about belief in the unbelievable. Teen and adult readers alike can find meaning in Pi’s journey, making it popular for book clubs. And if you enjoyed the film adaptation’s stunning visuals, the book provides even richer detail and interior insight into Pi’s mind.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
2. Kafka on the Shore – Haruki Murakami (2002)
Synopsis: This genre-bending novel interweaves the stories of two characters: Kafka Tamura, a 15-year-old runaway seeking to escape an Oedipal curse, and Nakata, an older man left with a simple mind (but the ability to talk with cats) after a mysterious childhood incident. As Kafka journeys across Japan, he finds refuge in a quiet library, even as strange phenomena pursue him – raining fish from the sky, enigmatic forest spirits, and a spectral presence named “Colonel Sanders,” to name a few.
Murakami’s trademark surrealism is on full display as the two narratives gradually draw together in a mysterious prophecy.
Who Should Read It: Fans of Murakami’s dreamy style or magical realism with a darker, psychological edge will love this. Kafka on the Shore is ideal for readers who appreciate puzzles and open-ended mysteries (à la David Lynch films or the novel The Bone Clocks). Music lovers, philosophy enthusiasts, and of course cat lovers will find extra layers of enjoyment. If you’re new to Murakami, be prepared for a mind-bending ride – but one that’s surprisingly accessible and emotionally resonant despite its many quirks.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
3. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao – Junot Díaz (2007)
Synopsis: Oscar de León (nicknamed “Oscar Wao”) is an overweight, nerdy Dominican-American teen growing up in New Jersey – a lover of sci-fi, fantasy, and unrequited crushes. Díaz’s vibrant novel chronicles Oscar’s quest for love and the “fukú” (a family curse) that has haunted his lineage from the Dominican Republic’s Trujillo era to the present. Alongside Oscar’s coming-of-age, we get the stories of his tough sister Lola and their fearless grandmother in the DR, all narrated with footnotes of real history and a flair of comic-book energy.
While not overtly magical in every chapter, the novel frames the family’s destiny as if shaped by supernatural forces and nerd lore (from J.R.R. Tolkien to Marvel comics).
Who Should Read It: This Pulitzer Prize winner is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of pop culture, humor, and poignant family saga. If you’re a fan of Ready Player One references but want more literary depth, or if you liked Middlesex or The House of the Spirits, Oscar Wao’s story will resonate. It’s especially engaging for younger adult readers (high school/college) and anyone interested in the Dominican diasporic experience. Be ready for footnotes and Spanglish – they only add to the novel’s unique charm.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
4. The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern (2011)
Synopsis: “Opens at nightfall, closes at dawn.” Le Cirque des Rêves (the Circus of Dreams) arrives without warning, a black-and-white wonderland of breathtaking acts and hidden magic. Unbeknownst to the crowds, two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, have been trained since childhood for a high-stakes duel of magical skill – and the circus is their stage. But when Celia and Marco unexpectedly fall in love, it complicates the deadly competition.
With vivid descriptions of enchanted carousels, ice gardens, and time-bending tents, this novel immerses you in a nocturnal fantasy realm where every act is real magic.
Who Should Read It: If you adored the whimsical atmosphere of Harry Potter or Caraval, this book will be your jam. It’s a crossover hit for both young adult and adult readers, especially those who enjoy romance wrapped in mystery and spectacle. Fans of circus settings (like Water for Elephants or The Greatest Showman) and anyone who enjoys rich, descriptive world-building will be spellbound. Best enjoyed with a cup of cocoa on a cozy night – this is a novel to get lost in.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
5. The Ocean at the End of the Lane – Neil Gaiman (2013)
Synopsis: Returning to his childhood hometown for a funeral, a middle-aged man remembers a singular, otherworldly experience from when he was seven. He recalls befriending Lettie Hempstock, an 11-year-old girl who claimed the pond behind her farm was an ocean – and who protected him from an ancient, dark force unleashed in the countryside.
In lyrical yet creepy fashion, Gaiman unfolds a story of childhood fears and wonders: hungry supernatural creatures, uncanny happenings in one’s own home, and the comfort of a magical friend. Part fairy tale, part horror, it’s a brief novel that packs an emotional punch about the sacrifices we make to keep others safe.
Who Should Read It: This is a great pick for adults who want a quick dive back into the feeling of childhood (with all its terrors and delights). If you enjoyed Gaiman’s Coraline or Graveyard Book, think of The Ocean at the End of the Lane as their grown-up cousin – still magical and spooky, but layered with adult nostalgia. It’s also fitting for readers who may not usually venture into fantasy; the story is intimate and relatable despite its fantastical elements. Perfect for a one-sitting read on a rainy afternoon.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
6. Exit West – Mohsin Hamid (2017)
Synopsis: In an unnamed city on the brink of civil war, two young people, Nadia and Saeed, meet and fall in love. As violence worsens, they hear whispers of mysterious doors that can whisk people away to other parts of the world. Soon, Nadia and Saeed take a leap of faith through one of these doors – emerging first in a refugee camp in Greece, then through more doors to London, then California.
Hamid uses these magical doors (a brilliant metaphor for migration) to follow the couple’s journey as refugees, examining how they and their relationship change in the face of an uncertain global future.
Who Should Read It: If you’re interested in current events and human stories behind migration, Exit West offers a poignant, accessible lens through magical realism. It’s recommended for readers who enjoyed The Kite Runner or The Underground Railroad – books that blend urgent social issues with inventive storytelling. At its heart, it’s a love story under pressure, so those who appreciate intimate character studies set against big backdrops will find this novel both beautiful and thought-provoking.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
7. The Tiger’s Wife – Téa Obreht (2011)
Synopsis: In a war-torn Balkan country, young doctor Natalia embarks on a journey to unravel two mysteries: the circumstances of her grandfather’s recent death, and the truth behind the fantastical stories he told her as a child. Those stories include the legend of the “deathless man” (who cannot die) and the tale of a deaf-mute girl who befriends an escaped tiger from a zoo – becoming the so-called “tiger’s wife.”
As Natalia travels through rural villages on a medical mission, the threads of folklore, superstition, and her grandfather’s past weave together against the backdrop of real post-war healing. The novel moves fluidly between gritty reality and the magical lore embedded in the region’s culture.
Who Should Read It: This novel will appeal to readers who love family secrets and folktales, especially if you enjoyed The Thirteenth Tale or the magical realism of Isabel Allende. It’s also a great pick for those interested in Southeastern Europe or novels like The Kite Runner, where personal history mirrors a country’s turmoil. Téa Obreht’s lush storytelling earned her the Orange Prize at only 25 years old – so if you’re curious about acclaimed young voices or simply love myth-infused storytelling, The Tiger’s Wife is a must-read.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
8. Lincoln in the Bardo – George Saunders (2017)
Synopsis: It’s 1862, and President Abraham Lincoln’s 11-year-old son, Willie, has just died and been laid to rest in a Georgetown cemetery. Saunders spins this historical kernel into an extraordinarily original novel set in the “bardo” – a Tibetan term for a transitional afterlife state. Willie Lincoln’s spirit finds himself in a graveyard limbo, populated by a chorus of ghosts who refuse to move on. As President Lincoln, stricken by grief, visits his son’s crypt, a cacophony of ghostly voices narrate, comment, and even attempt to help father and son communicate.
The book’s unique format (told through snippets of real and imagined historical sources and ghost dialogues) creates a moving portrait of love, loss, and letting go.
Who Should Read It: Are you up for something experimental yet deeply heartfelt? This Man Booker Prize winner is great for adventurous readers who don’t mind a break from traditional narrative style. If you liked the chorus of voices in The Lovely Bones or the historical-meets-supernatural vibe of The Devil in the White City (though Lincoln in the Bardo is more poetic), give this a try. It’s especially potent for those interested in American history, but ultimately it’s a universal story of a parent’s grief – rendered in a way you’ve never seen before. Audiobook fans: the audiobook has a full cast of 160+ voices, making it an experience in itself.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
9. The Midnight Library – Matt Haig (2020)
Synopsis: In a moment of despair, 35-year-old Nora Seed decides to end her life – only to find herself in a mystical library that lies between life and death. Each book in the infinite Midnight Library is a version of Nora’s life had she made different choices. With the help of the library’s kindly librarian (who resembles Nora’s old school librarian), Nora can try out these alternate lives: from becoming a rock star, to glaciologist, to Olympic swimmer, and beyond.
As she steps into each new life, Nora gains insights about the paths not taken and what truly gives life meaning. This uplifting novel is a charming blend of It’s a Wonderful Life and quantum possibility, with a big heart at its core.
Who Should Read It: This book has been a word-of-mouth hit, especially among readers who enjoy feel-good or self-reflective stories. If you liked The Five People You Meet in Heaven or Groundhog Day-style “what if” scenarios, Nora’s journey will resonate. It’s also a fairly quick, easy read – great for those in a reading slump or anyone who’s pondered how their life might have been different (“Sliding Doors,” anyone?). Though it tackles heavy themes like regret and suicide, Haig’s gentle tone makes the story ultimately hopeful and life-affirming.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
10. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – V.E. Schwab (2020)
Synopsis: In 1714, a young French woman named Addie LaRue strikes a desperate bargain with a shadowy god: she will live forever – but be remembered by no one. Cursed to be forgotten as soon as she’s out of sight, Addie embarks on a lonely, centuries-long existence, influencing art and history in small unnoticed ways.
Everything changes in 2014, when Addie walks into a Brooklyn bookstore and meets Henry, a man who remembers her. Their connection unravels the terms of Addie’s deal and the intentions of the dark being (Luc) who granted her immortality. Spanning 300 years, this novel is a romantic, introspective epic about the yearning to leave a mark on the world.
Who Should Read It: If you love immortal protagonists like in The Time Traveler’s Wife or Interview with the Vampire (minus the horror) – essentially character-driven fantasy with a strong emotional core – Addie LaRue will steal your heart. It’s particularly beloved by readers who enjoy lush prose and a bit of angst. Fans of Schwab’s fantasy works will find this more literary in tone, but her flair for world-building and rules of magic is still present. Grab this book if the idea of living forever (and the soulful, star-crossed romance that might entail) intrigues you.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
11. The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida – Shehan Karunatilaka (2022)
Synopsis: Winner of the 2022 Booker Prize, this novel is set in the late 1980s during Sri Lanka’s civil war. Maali Almeida is a war photographer – and when the story begins, he’s recently deceased, waking up in a bureaucratic afterlife waiting room. Given seven “moons” (days) as a ghost, Maali sets out to solve the mystery of his own murder and to lead his loved ones to a hidden cache of explosive photographs from the war.
As he moves invisibly through Colombo, encountering other spirits and witnessing the living, Maali’s journey becomes a darkly comic satire of war, politics, and the absurdity of death.
Who Should Read It: This book will appeal to readers of satirical or inventive war fiction, like Catch-22 or Slaughterhouse-Five, especially if you’re interested in South Asian history. It’s a bit of a genre-bender – part murder mystery, part ghost story, part political satire – and thus perfect for those who enjoy something offbeat and cerebral. While knowledge of Sri Lanka’s history adds depth, the story’s commentary on violence and corruption is universal. If you appreciated the afterlife humor of The Good Place or the imaginative structure of Lincoln in the Bardo, give this a try.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
12. Before the Coffee Gets Cold – Toshikazu Kawaguchi (2015; transl. 2019)
Synopsis: In a small basement café in Tokyo, there is a particular seat that, under very specific rules, allows customers to travel back in time. But there’s a catch – whatever you change in the past won’t alter the present, and you must return before the coffee gets cold.
Through four interconnected vignettes, we meet people who use the café’s magic: a woman confronting an old lover, a wife receiving a letter from her husband with Alzheimer’s, two sisters reconciling, and a mother meeting the child she never knew. Each story is gentle, bittersweet, and steeped in the comforts of a warm cup of coffee.
Who Should Read It: This cozy, episodic book is perfect for fans of Black Mirror’s mild episodes or films like The Lake House, where time travel is more about closure than sci-fi paradoxes. It’s a quick read (originally a play), making it great for a relaxed evening. If you enjoy heartwarming stories that tug at your emotions (similar to Tuesdays with Morrie or Your Name. in anime), and you don’t mind a touch of the sentimental, you’ll find this book charming. And of course, coffee lovers will appreciate the aromatic backdrop to all the emotional catharsis.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
13. Garden Spells – Sarah Addison Allen (2007)
Synopsis: In the quiet town of Bascom, North Carolina, the Waverley women have always been a little magical. Claire Waverley embraces her family’s strange gift: her garden grows plants and herbs with uncanny properties, which she uses in her catering (from mood-altering salads to memory-inspiring tarts). When Claire’s rebellious sister Sydney returns home after years away – with a young daughter in tow – the sisters must reconnect and confront a troubled past.
Meanwhile, an apple tree in the backyard bears prophetic fruit, and there’s a hint of romance in the air for the guarded Claire. This enchanting novel combines Southern charm, family drama, and a sprinkle of witchy whimsy.
Who Should Read It: If you’re a fan of Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic or the movie Chocolat, this book will likely hit the sweet spot. It’s a feel-good tale about sisterhood and community, ideal for readers who like a bit of gentle magic in their contemporary fiction. Those who enjoy culinary elements in stories (warning: you may get hungry reading about Claire’s recipes!) or Hallmark-esque small-town vibes will also find Garden Spells delightful. In short, it’s comfort reading – warm, inviting, and lightly spiced with enchantment.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
14. The Snow Child – Eowyn Ivey (2012)
Synopsis: In the Alaskan wilderness of the 1920s, a childless middle-aged couple, Jack and Mabel, build a little girl out of snow during the season’s first snowfall – only to find the snow child gone and a real little girl appearing in the woods. This mysterious girl, named Faina, seems to survive alone in the forest with a red fox as her companion, flitting in and out of the couple’s lives with the winter snows.
As Jack and Mabel open their hearts to Faina like their own daughter, questions linger: Is she a wild orphan? Or is she something from myth, a living embodiment of the fairy tale about an enchanted snow maiden? The story unfolds with quiet beauty, mixing pioneer realism with a touch of Russian folklore.
Who Should Read It: The Snow Child is perfect for readers who love atmospheric, slow-burning tales. If the idea of a fairy tale retelling in a historical frontier setting appeals to you (think Little House on the Prairie meets Hans Christian Andersen), pick this up. Fans of books like The Bear and the Nightingale or Boy, Snow, Bird will enjoy the blend of cold, crisp setting and magical ambiguity. It’s also an excellent winter read – best savored by a fire or under a cozy blanket, perhaps as snow falls outside your own window.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
15. The Water Dancer – Ta-Nehisi Coates (2019)
Synopsis: In his fiction debut, Coates reimagines the Underground Railroad with a magical twist. Young Hiram Walker is enslaved on a Virginia plantation and possesses a mysterious power tied to his memories – a power that he doesn’t fully understand until it saves him from drowning. After a brush with tragedy, Hiram becomes involved with the Underground, a secretive network helping enslaved people escape. His gift, called “Conduction,” allows him (through powerful memories) to teleport himself and others across distances.
As Hiram hones this ability, he navigates the risks of love, loyalty, and liberation in a divided America. Coates blends harsh historical reality with elements of fantasy to illuminate the atrocity of slavery and the hope of resistance.
Who Should Read It: Readers of historical fiction who don’t mind a dose of the supernatural will find this novel intriguing – especially fans of Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad or Octavia Butler’s Kindred.
Coates’s background as a nonfiction writer means the book is rich in detail and social insight, so if you appreciated his voice in Between the World and Me, you’ll recognize it here in service of a sweeping story. It’s recommended for those who want a fresh perspective on the slavery era – one that honors real experiences while also offering imaginative catharsis through magic.
Available from Amazon | Goodreads
Each of these books showcases magical realism in its own unique way – whether through ghosts, blessings and curses, time-bending libraries, or mystical food. Whichever you choose, prepare to see reality with fresh eyes and a touch of magic. Happy reading!
D.P. Martinez is a contemporary fantasy author specialising in urban fantasy and magical realism. He holds an M.A. in English Literature from the University of Greenwich, where he focused on Literary London. His research explored metaphorical representations of London in urban fantasy. He has written hundreds of articles and several books across both fiction and non-fiction.