Best Magical realism Books December 2024

The Shape of Water

Dive into a mesmerizing tale of love and acceptance set against the backdrop of Cold War-era America. A mute janitor forms an unexpected bond with an amphibious creature held captive in a top-secret research facility. As their connection deepens, she risks everything to save him from a cruel fate. Del Toro and Kraus weave a hauntingly beautiful narrative that explores the power of empathy and the transformative nature of love, leaving readers spellbound until the very last page.

Her Fearful Symmetry

Twins Julia and Valentina inherit their aunt’s London flat, a mirror image of their own. As they settle in, they’re drawn into the building’s mysterious past and the lives of its eccentric residents. Niffenegger weaves a haunting tale of love, loss, and the blurred lines between life and death. With each page, I found myself more entangled in the sisters’ eerie world, unable to shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right. A beautifully crafted ghost story that lingers long after the final page.

The Intuitionist

Lila Mae Watson, the first black female elevator inspector in a bustling metropolis, finds herself at the center of a heated debate between two factions of elevator theory. As she navigates the complex world of vertical transportation, Lila Mae’s unique intuitive approach to inspections becomes both her strength and her vulnerability. Whitehead’s debut novel is a masterful blend of noir mystery and social commentary, exploring themes of race, power, and progress through the unlikely lens of elevator maintenance. With prose that soars and plummets like the very machines it describes, “The Intuitionist” will leave you questioning the ground beneath your feet.

The Snow Child

Mabel and Jack, a childless couple, venture to 1920s Alaska seeking a fresh start. One snowy night, they build a child from snow, only to find it gone by morning. Mysteriously, a wild young girl appears in the forest. As they grow to love her, they wonder: Is she real or a fleeting dream born of their longing? Ivey’s haunting tale weaves frontier grit with magical realism, exploring the power of hope and the fragility of happiness in a harsh, beautiful landscape.

Love Medicine

Love Medicine weaves a tapestry of interconnected stories spanning generations of Native American families. Erdrich’s lyrical prose breathes life into characters grappling with love, loss, and identity on the reservation. Through vivid snapshots of joy and heartbreak, she explores the complexities of family bonds and cultural heritage. I was captivated by the raw emotions and rich symbolism, feeling as if I’d stepped into their world. A poignant, unforgettable journey that left me pondering long after the final page.

The Plague of Doves

Louise Erdrich’s “The Plague of Doves” is a haunting tale of intergenerational trauma and redemption. Set in a small North Dakota town, the novel weaves together the lives of Native American and white families, bound by a shocking act of violence. Erdrich’s lyrical prose and intricate storytelling draw you into a world where past and present collide, revealing the complex tapestry of human relationships. As I read, I found myself captivated by the characters’ struggles and the way their fates intertwined. It’s a powerful exploration of justice, identity, and the enduring impact of history on our lives.

LaRose

LaRose, Louise Erdrich’s haunting novel, weaves a tale of tragedy and redemption in North Dakota. When Landreaux Iron accidentally kills his neighbor’s son, he follows an ancient custom and gives his own son, LaRose, to the grieving family. As the two families grapple with loss and forgiveness, LaRose becomes a bridge between them. Erdrich’s lyrical prose and deep understanding of Native American culture create a powerful, unforgettable story of love, justice, and the enduring bonds of family.

The Keeper of Lost Things

Anthony Peardew, a once-successful author, has spent decades collecting lost objects, hoping to atone for a promise broken long ago. As his life nears its end, he entrusts his assistant Laura with the task of reuniting these treasures with their rightful owners. Struggling with her own broken heart, Laura finds unexpected solace in this peculiar mission. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, Hogan weaves a charming tale of love, loss, and the power of seemingly insignificant objects to bridge the gaps between people. It’s a gentle reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope can be found in the most unlikely places.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry

Elsa is seven, precocious, and utterly devoted to her eccentric grandmother. Their nightly adventures in a fantastical world of fairy tales are Elsa’s refuge from school bullies and her parents’ divorce. When her beloved granny dies, Elsa is left with a series of letters, each a quest to deliver an apology. As she embarks on this treasure hunt, Elsa uncovers the colorful, often painful stories of the quirky tenants in her apartment building, realizing that her grandmother’s imaginary world wasn’t so make-believe after all. A touching, whimsical tale of love, loss, and the power of storytelling.

Portrait in Sepia

In “Portrait in Sepia,” Isabel Allende weaves a mesmerizing tale of family secrets and personal discovery. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Chile, we follow Aurora del Valle’s journey to uncover her past. Allende’s vivid prose brings to life the sights and smells of old San Francisco and Valparaíso, while exploring themes of love, loss, and identity. I found myself completely absorbed in Aurora’s world, feeling her joys and sorrows as if they were my own. A truly captivating read that lingers long after the final page.