I have to agree with a commentator to this blog who pointed out that “this is in the realm of big publishing and the big name writers”. Indeed, delving into racism through the genre of "magical realism" while supernaturally referring to "the single bloodiest day in modern American political history" seems such a "weighty" issue by an assured writer like McPherson that I am made to wonder whether this story belongs to more high profile contests, such as the Booker or Pulitzer prizes, rather than in a competition participated by little known writers from across the world with more humble themes and modest prose.
I have a problem with understanding the genre “magical realism” which, may be wrongfully, made me wonder whether the story’s ending is similar to Bruce Willis’ surprise realization during the climax of the movie “The Sixth Sense”. Therefore I believe I am not the right person to write a more analytical review than this short ramble. But on the surface of my mind, I feel it is a really good effort and well-written story that deserves a prize even though I have to admit that "magical realism" is a genre that I fail to appreciate because my mind cannot tell when and where the "magic" enters into an otherwise "realistic" story.
So I humbly referred to ChatGPT to make me understand what "magical realism" is and here's the answer the chatbot provided:
Magical realism is a literary genre that blends elements of realism and fantasy or magical elements in a seamless manner. It originated in Latin American literature and has since gained popularity worldwide. The term was first coined by the Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier in the 1940s, although the roots of the genre can be traced back to earlier works.
In magical realism, the narrative is typically set in a realistic world with familiar settings, characters, and events. However, within this realistic framework, magical or fantastical elements are introduced, often without explanation or justification. These magical elements coexist alongside the everyday and ordinary, blurring the boundaries between reality and the supernatural.
One of the key aspects of magical realism is that the magical or fantastical elements are presented in a matter-of-fact manner, as if they are a natural part of the world. This approach allows the extraordinary to be treated as ordinary, and the reader is invited to accept the fantastical as a normal part of the narrative.
Magical realism often explores themes such as the nature of reality, the fusion of different cultural and historical traditions, the relationship between humans and the natural world, and the impact of colonialism and social issues. It is known for its rich imagery, vivid descriptions, and a lyrical style that combines the mundane and the extraordinary.
Prominent examples of magical realism include Gabriel García Márquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude," Isabel Allende's "The House of the Spirits," and Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children." However, the genre has also influenced works in other mediums, such as art, film, and even music.
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