The Greatest American "Magical Realism, Fantasy" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Magical Realism

Magical realism is a literary genre that weaves elements of fantasy into realistic settings, creating a narrative that exists in a harmonious balance between the ordinary and the extraordinary. In magical realist literature, the supernatural is not presented as something to be questioned or explained, but rather as an accepted part of everyday life. Characters might encounter ghosts, engage in telepathy, or experience time in non-linear ways, yet these occurrences are treated as mundane aspects of the world. This genre often explores complex themes such as identity, time, and the interconnection of reality and illusion, blurring the lines between the conceivable and the incredible. Magical realism is rooted in Latin American literature but has become a beloved and diverse genre worldwide, offering readers a lens through which the complexities of life are viewed with wonder and a subtle touch of magic.

Fantasy

Fantasy is a genre of literature that typically involves imaginative and supernatural elements, often set in a fictional world or alternate reality. These stories often feature mythical creatures, magic, and epic battles between good and evil. Fantasy books can range from high fantasy, which includes complex world-building and intricate plotlines, to urban fantasy, which blends fantastical elements with contemporary settings. The genre allows readers to escape into a world of wonder and adventure, where anything is possible.

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  1. 1. Little, Big by John Crowley

    "Little, Big" is a complex tale that weaves together elements of magical realism, fantasy, and family saga. The story follows the Drinkwater family who live in an eccentric house known as Edgewood, which is somehow bigger on the inside than the outside. The family is connected to the realm of Faerie, and the narrative explores their interactions with this magical world. The book spans multiple generations and intertwines the lives of its characters with the cycles of history and myth, creating a multi-layered narrative about love, family, destiny, and the nature of storytelling itself.

    The 723rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Land Of Laughs by Jonathan Carroll

    "The Land of Laughs" is a captivating novel that follows Thomas Abbey, a schoolteacher and aspiring writer, as he embarks on a journey to the hometown of his favorite childhood author. Alongside his girlfriend, they uncover the mysterious and unsettling truth behind the author's stories, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. As they delve deeper into the town's secrets, they are forced to confront their own desires and the consequences of their actions. This thought-provoking tale explores the power of storytelling and the complexities of human nature.

    The 1294th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin

    Set in a mythical New York City, this novel follows the life of Peter Lake, a master mechanic and thief, who falls in love with a terminally ill girl, Beverly Penn, after breaking into her house. Peter's life is intertwined with the city's golden age and its criminal underworld, as well as the world of the supernatural. The story is a blend of fantasy, love, and adventure, exploring themes of justice, beauty, and the constant struggle between good and evil.

    The 1420th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Peace by Gene Wolfe

    The book is a complex and multi-layered narrative that weaves together the memories of an elderly man named Alden Dennis Weer. As he reminisces about his life in a small Midwestern town, the story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, revealing a tapestry of seemingly mundane events that are imbued with subtle supernatural elements and dark undercurrents. The protagonist's recollections are filled with enigmatic characters and incidents, and as the narrative progresses, it becomes apparent that Weer's memory may be unreliable, leading the reader to question the nature of reality and the veracity of his account. The novel blends elements of fantasy, horror, and mystery, creating a haunting meditation on memory, mortality, and the human condition.

    The 1746th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon

    Set in the 1960s in the fictional town of Zephyr, Alabama, the novel follows the life of 12-year-old Cory Mackenson, whose life takes a mysterious turn when he witnesses his father attempt to save a man from a sinking car. The man is already handcuffed to the steering wheel, dead by strangulation. This event triggers a series of adventures and mysteries that Cory must unravel, all the while dealing with the challenges and joys of growing up. The book is a rich blend of nostalgia, magic realism, and the dark undercurrents of life in the American South.

    The 2221st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Aegypt by John Crowley

    The novel explores the intertwining lives of several characters, primarily that of a historian who becomes obsessed with the alternative histories and esoteric knowledge of the Renaissance period. As he delves deeper into his research, he begins to question the nature of history, reality, and the possibility of there being more than one true history of the world. The narrative weaves together personal transformation, magical occurrences, and the pursuit of hidden truths, set against the backdrop of both contemporary America and historical Europe, challenging the reader's perception of reality and the boundaries between fact and fiction.

    The 3212th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

    The novel tells the story of two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are unknowingly bound to each other in a lifelong competition set up by their mentors. The stage for their contest is an enchanting, nocturnal circus that travels around the world, known as Le Cirque des Rêves. As the competition progresses, the pair fall in love, which leads to dangerous consequences and threatens the existence of the circus.

    The 3238th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Her Body and Other Parties: Stories by Carmen Maria Machado

    "Her Body and Other Parties: Stories" is a collection of short stories that weave elements of psychological realism and science fiction to explore the realities of women's lives and the violence inflicted upon their bodies. The narratives range from a woman refusing to let her husband remove a green ribbon from around her neck, to a salesclerk in a mall making a horrifying discovery within the seams of the store's prom dresses. The book centers on women's experiences in their bodies, touching on themes of sexuality, gender, and the dynamics of power.

    The 3351st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Stone Junction: An Alchemical Pot-Boiler by Jim Dodge

    This novel follows the life of Daniel Pearse, a young boy who becomes an apprentice in a secretive organization of outlaws, magicians, and gamblers known as AMO (the Alliance of Magicians and Outlaws). As Daniel learns the ways of the AMO, he embarks on a quest for a diamond rumored to possess magical properties. His journey is filled with a series of bizarre encounters and eccentric characters, blending elements of magic, mystery, and adventure.

    The 3603rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Stranger Things Happen by Kelly Link

    "Stranger Things Happen" is a collection of 11 captivating short stories that blend elements of horror, fantasy, and fairy tales. The narratives are filled with strange events and characters, such as a husband who disappears every time he goes for a swim and a TV show where ghosts are the main characters. The book explores the boundaries of reality and the supernatural, creating an eerie, dream-like atmosphere that leaves the reader questioning what is real and what is not.

    The 5029th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

    The book follows the lives of the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, who come from a long line of witches. Raised by their eccentric aunts after their parents' death, the sisters grow up learning about love and magic. However, they face an age-old curse that any man who falls in love with an Owens woman will meet a tragic end, leading them on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and a struggle to overcome their family's dark past.

    The 5300th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Magic for Beginners by Kelly Link

    "Magic for Beginners" is a collection of nine short stories that delve into the surreal and fantastical. The narratives are often set in strange, magical worlds, where the ordinary and mundane collide with the extraordinary and bizarre. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the blurred boundaries between reality and fantasy, often leaving the reader questioning their own perception of the world. The stories are wildly imaginative and often darkly humorous, offering a unique blend of magical realism and speculative fiction.

    The 5698th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

    The book unfolds in a society that believes it has eradicated all monsters, but when a creature named Pet emerges from a painting, a young girl named Jam learns that monsters still exist. Pet has come to hunt a monster hiding in plain sight, and Jam must confront the reality that not all dangers are as visible as they seem. As Jam navigates this revelation with Pet's guidance, she embarks on a quest to protect her best friend and uncover the truth in a world that prefers to deny the existence of such horrors. The story challenges the concepts of good and evil and the complacency that can arise in a community that believes it has overcome its darkest elements.

    The 6505th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Changeling by Victor LaValle

    The novel is a dark fairy tale that explores themes of parenthood, identity, and the impact of technology on modern life. It follows Apollo Kagwa, an antiquarian book dealer from New York City, whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Emma, commits a horrific act and then disappears. As Apollo searches for answers, he is drawn into a world filled with mythical creatures, secretive societies, and ancient folklore. Along his journey, he must confront his own past and the dark history of his family while navigating a city that seems to harbor magical secrets. The story blends the fantastical with the everyday to create a narrative that examines the fears and anxieties of being a parent in the 21st century.

    The 8150th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

    "The Golem and the Jinni" is a novel that explores the lives of two mythical creatures, a golem and a jinni, who find themselves in New York City in the late 19th century. The golem is created by a Jewish rabbi to be a companion for a man who dies on the voyage to America, while the jinni is released from a copper flask by a Syrian tinsmith. As they navigate their new lives, they encounter other immigrants and face challenges that force them to confront their own identities and desires. The novel is a rich and complex exploration of identity, culture, and the human experience.

    The 8185th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Invisible Life Of Addie La Rue by V. E. Schwab

    The book follows the story of a young woman in 18th-century France who, desperate to escape an arranged marriage and yearning for freedom, makes a Faustian bargain with a mysterious god-like figure to live forever without being remembered by anyone she meets. Her immortality becomes a curse as she moves through the centuries, leaving no mark on the world until, 300 years later, she stumbles upon a young man in a bookstore who, to her shock, remembers her name. This encounter unfolds into a tale of love, memory, and the intrinsic value of leaving one's mark on the world.

    The 8346th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older

    In the urban fantasy novel, a young Afro-Latina girl from Brooklyn discovers her family's involvement in a supernatural legacy known as Shadowshaping, where they can infuse ancestral spirits into paintings, music, and stories. However, her world is thrown into chaos when she realizes that a malevolent force is hunting the shadowshapers, aiming to destroy her family's cultural heritage and power. As she delves deeper into this mystical world, she must embrace her identity and heritage to harness her newfound abilities, navigate the complexities of her community and friends, and fight to protect the legacy passed down to her by her ancestors.

    The 8532nd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. When The Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore

    This novel weaves a tale of love and magic as it follows two characters: a girl with roses growing from her wrist and a boy who paints moons and hides his own secrets. Their deep bond is threatened when their small town becomes engulfed in rumors and the girl's mysterious past begins to surface. As they struggle to protect each other's secrets and navigate their feelings, they must confront questions of identity, family, and the courage it takes to be their true selves. The story is a lyrical exploration of love, friendship, and the acceptance of one's uniqueness, set against a backdrop of magical realism.

    The 8668th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Love And Sleep by John Crowley

    "Love and Sleep" is the second novel in a four-part series that weaves together elements of history, mythology, and magic. The narrative follows the life of Pierce Moffett, a historian who becomes entangled in a complex tapestry of events that span centuries. As Pierce delves deeper into the study of Renaissance hermeticism and the mysteries of the past, he also grapples with personal relationships and his own spiritual journey. The novel blends the metaphysical with the mundane, exploring themes of love, knowledge, and the pursuit of truth, all while challenging the boundaries between reality and the supernatural.

    The 9095th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

    In this enchanting tale, two sisters, Blanca and Roja, find themselves ensnared in a cruel family curse that has haunted generations: one sister is destined to become a swan. Their bond is tested when two local boys become entangled in their lives—one emerging from a strange transformation, and the other hiding his true identity. As the sisters grapple with the curse's grip, they must navigate a complex web of love, rivalry, and identity, challenging both societal expectations and their own deepest fears. The story weaves magical realism with themes of family, fate, and the power of self-acceptance, creating a lyrical narrative that explores the blurred lines between fairy tale and reality.

    The 9149th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The House in the Cerulean Sea by Tj Klune

    "The House in the Cerulean Sea" is a heartwarming and enchanting tale about Linus Baker, a caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, who is sent on a special assignment to a remote island orphanage. There, he meets a group of extraordinary children, including a gnome, a sprite, and a were-Pomeranian, and their charming caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. As Linus gets to know the children and Arthur, he begins to question the strict rules and regulations he has always followed and learns the true meaning of love, acceptance, and family. This book is a celebration of diversity, kindness, and the power of friendship.

    The 9268th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Girl Who Drank The Moon by Kelly Barnhill

    In "The Girl Who Drank the Moon," a young girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby when she is fed moonlight by Xan, a kind witch who rescues abandoned infants from a sacrificial ritual of a nearby oppressive city. Xan decides to raise Luna as her own, alongside a wise swamp monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon. As Luna grows, her magic becomes increasingly difficult to control. Meanwhile, the original community continues to unravel under the weight of its own dark secrets, leading to a collision of worlds as Luna approaches her thirteenth birthday, when her powers will reach their peak. The story intertwines themes of love, growth, and facing one's fears in a beautifully crafted fantasy world.

    The 9356th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

    In this young adult fantasy novel, we follow the story of a Lipan Apache teenager with the unique ability to awaken the ghosts of dead animals, a skill passed down through generations of her family. When her cousin dies under mysterious circumstances, she sets out to uncover the truth behind his death, delving into a small town's dark secrets. Alongside her ghost dog sidekick, she navigates a world filled with magic, spirits, and creatures from folklore, confronting the intersection of her Indigenous culture and the supernatural realm. Her journey tests her courage and her ancestral gifts, as she seeks justice and upholds her family's legacy.

    The 9422nd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Alif The Unseen by G. Willow Wilson

    In a Middle Eastern city teetering on the edge of revolution, a young Arab-Indian hacker, who goes by the alias Alif, finds himself on the run from the state's oppressive security forces. After his computer-savvy skills and underground network are compromised by a heartbreak, he discovers the existence of the supernatural world of the jinn. With the help of an ancient and mystical book, Alif must bridge the gap between the seen and the unseen, blending technology with ancient Arabic lore, to protect himself and his community from the encroaching forces that threaten to engulf both the physical and the magical worlds.

    The 10002nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. The Antelope Wife by Louise Erdrich

    The novel weaves a complex tapestry of Native American life, blending contemporary realism with mystical elements. It explores themes of love, family, and cultural identity through the interwoven stories of multiple generations affected by a legacy of trauma and healing. The narrative centers around two Ojibwe families in Minneapolis and the titular Antelope Wife, a mysterious woman with a profound connection to the spiritual and natural worlds. The book delves into the characters' struggles with their pasts, the power of storytelling, and the intricate bonds that tie them together, revealing the resilience and transformations that occur within their community.

    The 10591st Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download