Magical Realism

Anansi Boys is a great read for those who enjoy humorous, yet intricate family dramas with a touch of fantasy. The book's most unique feature is its imaginative and funny portrayal of gods, making it a great choice for fans of mythology and fantasy.

Hidden in a clay pot. Sealed with wax. Buried at the heart of a ruined palace amidst the ashes of one of India's greatest, nearly forgotten empires. A story waits to be told.In the fourteenth century of the Common Era, in the South of what we now call India, nine-year-old Pampa Kampana, orphaned by war, starts hearing the voice of a goddess. Inspired, and imbued with powerful magic, she vows to ensure that no more women suffer her beloved mother's unconscionable fate. Aided by miracles and a gift for prophecy, she creates a mighty city; her whispered words galvanize its people to grow and change. Her poetry maps the rise and fall of its empire. And the prophetess herself--beloved, feared, timeless--watches as the world changes across the centuries and her body, frozen in the beauty of youth for decades upon decades, fades along with her city's glory. Half a millennium later, her writing is discovered, deep in the ancient earth.The thirteenth novel from the incomparable Salman Rushdie, Victory City is an epic tale with a message for us all: our power is fleeting, but our stories last forever.

"Everything Under" is a uniquely haunting book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It tells the story of Gretel as she tries to unravel the mysterious disappearance of her mother, and the strange events that surrounded it. This book has a wonderfully eerie atmosphere that will leave readers feeling unsettled long after they've finished it. Recommended for fans of mysterious and thrilling reads.

This re-released second edition contains three new stories: "Big Chief," "Bachy Soletanche," and "Occupy: An Exhibition," the last of which was especially written for this edition.Travel to Southeast Asia on wings of the fantastic for Jason Erik Lundberg's debut short-story collection Red Dot Irreal.There you'll meet pirates and shamans, wise fish and mystical storytellers, living monuments and paper animals, time travelers and civet cats, stone taxi drivers, floating dental patients, and a sentient bird park. Once you enter the surreal worlds of Lundberg's equatorial fantastika, a part of you will never leave.“I am not usually a fan of magic realist tales or stories that blend the contemporary mundane with magic, but Lundberg’s collection of ‘equatorial fantastika’ may make me a convert. Each of these stories are carefully crafted and make exceptional use of Lundberg’s own time and space for narratives that are equal parts Kafka, ancient folklore, and travelogue. [...] You absolutely must read Red Dot Irreal.” —Grasping for the Wind

The Mayan god of death sends a young woman on a harrowing, life-changing journey in this dark, one-of-a-kind fairy tale inspired by Mexican folklore.The Jazz Age is in full swing, but Casiopea Tun is too busy cleaning the floors of her wealthy grandfather’s house to listen to any fast tunes. Nevertheless, she dreams of a life far from her dusty small town in southern Mexico. A life she can call her own. Yet this new life seems as distant as the stars, until the day she finds a curious wooden box in her grandfather’s room. She opens it—and accidentally frees the spirit of the Mayan god of death, who requests her help in recovering his throne from his treacherous brother. Failure will mean Casiopea’s demise, but success could make her dreams come true.In the company of the strangely alluring god and armed with her wits, Casiopea begins an adventure that will take her on a cross-country odyssey from the jungles of Yucatán to the bright lights of Mexico City—and deep into the darkness of the Mayan underworld.

The fairy tale lives again in this book of forty new stories by some of the biggest names in contemporary fiction. Neil Gaiman, “Orange”   Aimee Bender, “The Color Master”   Joyce Carol Oates, “Blue-bearded Lover”   Michael Cunningham, “The Wild Swans”   These and more than thirty other stories by Francine Prose, Kelly Link, Jim Shepard, Lydia Millet, and many other extraordinary writers make up this thrilling celebration of fairy tales—the ultimate literary costume party.   Spinning houses and talking birds. Whispered secrets and borrowed hope. Here are new stories sewn from old skins, gathered by visionary editor Kate Bernheimer and inspired by everything from Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen” and “The Little Match Girl” to Charles Perrault’s “Bluebeard” and “Cinderella” to the Brothers Grimm’s “Hansel and Gretel” and “Rumpelstiltskin” to fairy tales by Goethe and Calvino and from China, Japan, Vietnam, Russia, Norway, and Mexico.   Fairy tales are our oldest literary tradition, and yet they chart the imaginative frontiers of the twenty-first century as powerfully as they evoke our earliest encounters with literature. This exhilarating collection restores their place in the literary canon.

This book is perfect for readers interested in short stories that revolve around Singapore's rich history and complex culture. The author skillfully weaves together tales of the paranormal, societal conflicts, and the deification of women. With captivating characters and themes, it offers a unique insight into the island nation's past and present. Sure to leave readers transfixed and thoughtful.

The Golem and the Djinni is a captivating fantastical novel that intertwines the journeys of two contrasting beings, one made of clay and the other of fire, as they navigate through their individual struggles and eventually form an unlikely friendship in a foreign land. Readers who enjoy historical fiction, magical realism, and character-driven stories will find themselves invested in the vividly depicted world and characters, and will be left pondering the complexities of identity, belonging, and the human experience long after the final page.

'MANY YEARS LATER, AS HE FACED THE FIRING SQUAD, COLONEL AURELIANO BUENDÍA WAS TO REMEMBER THAT DISTANT AFTERNOON WHEN HIS FATHER TOOK HIM TO DISCOVER ICE'Pipes and kettledrums herald the arrival of gypsies on their annual visit to Macondo, the newly founded village where José Arcadio Buendía and his strong-willed wife, Úrsula, have started their new life. As the mysterious Melquíades excites Aureliano Buendía and his father with new inventions and tales of adventure, neither can know the significance of the indecipherable manuscript that the old gypsy passes into their hands.Through plagues of insomia, civil war, hauntings and vendettas, the many tribulations of the Buendía household push memories of the manuscript aside. Few remember its existence and only one will discover the hidden message that it holds...

A bestseller in the author’s native country of Estonia, where the book is so well known that a popular board game has been created based on it, The Man Who Spoke Snakish is the imaginative and moving story of a boy who is tasked with preserving ancient traditions in the face of modernity.Set in a fantastical version of medieval Estonia, The Man Who Spoke Snakish follows a young boy, Leemet, who lives with his hunter-gatherer family in the forest and is the last speaker of the ancient tongue of snakish, a language that allows its speakers to command all animals. But the forest is gradually emptying as more and more people leave to settle in villages, where they break their backs tilling the land to grow wheat for their “bread” (which Leemet has been told tastes horrible) and where they pray to a god very different from the spirits worshipped in the forest’s sacred grove. With lothario bears who wordlessly seduce women, a giant louse with a penchant for swimming, a legendary flying frog, and a young charismatic viper named Ints, The Man Who Spoke Snakish is a totally inventive novel for readers of David Mitchell, Sjón, and Terry Pratchett.

If you have a soft spot for tales that weave together the extraordinary and the mundane, "The Books of Magic. Book One" could be a mesmerizing addition to your collection. Imagine a mix of that teenage wonder you found in Harry Potter but with a darker, more complex universe a la Neil Gaiman. This graphic novel could be the portal you step through, following Tim Hunter to discover our world's hidden magical depths.

If you ever felt the world hides more than meets the eye, "Interpreter of Winds" beckons you. Fairoz Ahmad artfully stitches together the magical with the everyday, presenting short stories that offer glimpses into enchanting parallel realities. Dive in for a quick yet profound experience where objects and elements speak a language of their own, and familiar scenes are imbued with a layer of the extraordinary. It's a slim volume, perfect for a thoughtful afternoon escape.

If you're drawn to the mystical terrain that straddles the everyday and the extraordinary, Verena Tay's anthology might just become a cherished treasure on your bookshelf. Each story in "Spectre" invites you to peer beyond the veil of the mundane, offering a journey that will chill your spine and warm your heart in equal measure. Perfect for those evenings when you crave an escape into worlds where folklore and modern life collide with a thoughtful touch.

This book follows the inspiring story of Kahu, a young Maori girl who seeks to prove herself to her grandfather and community as a potential leader and savior of the tribe's traditions. The book's unique feature is its depiction of the Maori people's traditions and beliefs, which will captivate readers interested in learning about new cultures and promote understanding and respect.

Dive into the enchanting world of Maori tradition, where a young girl named Kahu defies societal barriers to fulfill her destiny as the tribe's savior. With a touch of magic and the ability to communicate with whales, Kahu's journey is an exploration of cultural heritage, gender roles, and environmental concerns. The poetic writing style and dual narratives add depth and complexity, making this book a captivating choice for readers interested in exploring diverse cultures and thought-provoking themes.

"Shamanka" is a must-read for those interested in exploring the concepts of magic, illusion and reality. The book takes you on Sam Khaan's journey to uncover the secrets of her long-lost father's life as a witch doctor. With encounters with mystics, diviners and healers, the book offers a uniquely engaging perspective on the world of magic. Jeanne Willis' writing style is immersive and vibrant, making the reading experience thoroughly enjoyable.

In dreams... For twelve years the seductive dream has always been the same--a candlelit room, satin sheets, and a mysterious woman. Then, one night, everything changes. A mysterious entity shows Alex Foster a vision of his dream woman in danger from demonic forces. Elizabeth Raines has returned home to Spokane to care for her dying mother and abandoned nieces and nephews. With their family home ready to crash down around them and no help from her siblings, she carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. Until the day Alex shows up, unwilling to love her only in their shared dreams. But the real world is much bigger than a dream. An ancient enemy has awakened, and only Alex and Elizabeth's combined supernatural gifts can save them.

Recommendation: Welcome to a world where the wind speaks. In "Interpreter of Winds," Fairoz Ahmad weaves enchanting tales that bring ordinary objects to life, imbuing them with a sense of magic and wonder. From the haunting story of a witch's murder in Dutch occupied Java to a dog's spiritual quest, these poignant stories celebrate the beauty and enchantment found within the struggles of our everyday lives. Brace yourself for a mesmerizing journey into the uncanny, where the wind whispers secrets and the mundane becomes extraordinary.

Zedeck Siew's feverishly imaginative prose intertwines with Sharon Chin's stunning lino prints and pattern designs.Sometimes fantastical fancy, at other times of nightmarish quality, the book catalogues the flora and fauna in and around Malaysia. From worms that live in your digital devices, to ants and crows that explode - these 75 creatures surely do not exist, but they should. Because they explain so much of what we are and where we came from.So take a breather, sit down - for you will very well need to - and jump into the world of these Creatures of Near Kingdoms.

Recommendation: - You should definitely read "The Whale Rider" if you're passionate about stories that challenge tradition and celebrate individuality. This beautifully written book explores the struggles of a young Maori girl as she defies societal expectations and fights to reconnect her tribe with their ancestral heritage. With its universal themes of love, courage, and respect for nature, this captivating story will inspire you to embrace your own uniqueness and follow your heart.

Two Cranes Press presents A Field Guide to Surreal Botany, an anthology of fictional plant species that exist beyond the realm of the real, fully illustrated in gorgeous full-color by Janet Chui. The specimens contained herein--dutifully and, in some cases, painfully recorded by our keen-eyed assortment of contributing cryptobotanists, field researchers, and graduate assistants (laden with glass jars, magnifying glasses, and appropriate body armor)--are organized according to geographical region, and described in erudite detail by our contributors. Inside the book you’ll find specimens such as the Couch Kelp (Siturfatarscea velvetorleva monthlypaymetis), a floating seaweed with an inflatable bladder resembling a sofa; the Big Yellow Flower of Unnecessarily Obvious Information (Explanatum obviosis), a plant with a flower that is big and yellow; Twilight Luon-Sibir (Russica spectrata), which has an extremely short life cycle and exists in a state of probability; and forty-five other plant species from all over the world and beyond.Not since Cryptethnophytology of Latin America by Dr. Dean Jameson (Palgrave, 1978), Asian Pomological Fantastika by Sng Chen Whye (Tinhau UP, 1981), or Parallel Botany by Leo Lionni (Knopf, 1977), has such a comprehensive volume of surreal flora been assembled in one place. Produced in conjunction with the Surreal Botanists Association, A Field Guide to Surreal Botany is an unforgettable tour through the fantastical plant kingdom.Table of Contents"(Floating) Armor of The Dark Blue Heart, Armorea Navum," by Susan Fedynak"Attercopp plant, Chelicereae Telacaulum," by Alexandra O'Neal"Avian Trumpetflower, Trochilium avifructus," by Andrew Nicolle"Baby cabbage, also regionally referred to as The Leaf, Squallroot or Mother's Little Helper, Cruciferae Brassica homogenesis," by Jay Lake"big yellow flower of unnecessarily obvious information, Explanatum obviosis," by Elizabeth Langford"Bitter Mortar, Cucurbitaceae Marah," by Steve Himmer"Bone Garden, otherwise known as Adam's Ribcage, Aloe skelaphalia," by Eric J. Millar"Burning Bush Fungus, Encephalitozoon Elysium," by John Bowker"Clickweed, Everricula Pilolaqueus," by Ann Leckie"Cloud Anemone, Bromeliaceae Tillandsia nebularia," by James Trimarco"Couch Kelp, Siturfatarscea velvetorleva monthlypaymentis," by Jonathan Wonham"Devil’s Pork, Tuberaceae Tuber," by John Black"Dream Melons, Melo somnio," by Joe Hansen"Esemtep, Unclassified," by Steve Berman"Fairy apple, timewarp lemon, Atlantis Mandrake, Podophyllum sidhe," by Lucy A. Snyder"firefly bellflower (Tintinnabulum photuris), Tintinnabulum photuris," by Francesca Forrest"Flame Lily, Nymphaeaceae-flammiferum," by Matthew Baugh"Forget-me-bastard, Myosovictimis uncertae sedis," by Elaine Clift"Giant Cloud Lily, Liliaceae Lilium," by Patricia L. Havis"Haunt Vine (also known as Ghostroot and Spirit Creeper), Ipomoea Umbris," by Mark Teppo"Kitty Willow, Salix ambulara," by Mary E. Lowd"Kvetching aspen, Populus kvetchis," by H.F. Gibbard"Lautokan Ear-blossom Plant (Tautau e vata), Auriculula cosmetales," by Brendan Carson"Leonidas' Bloom, Campanula lacedaemia," by Adam Nakama"Library Plum, Bibloteca prunus," by Merrie Haskell"Nightmare Lotus, Nymphae somnium maledictus," by Kris Dikeman"Ozymandias-plant, Lamiaceae (Genus unknown)," by Cassandra Phillips-Sears"Padmamukhi (the Lotus-Mouthed), Nelumbonaceae nelumbo," by Shveta Thakrar"Poliphila, or 'Shriner Vine', Unclassified," by Victoria Elisabeth Garcia"Queen Victoria’s Bloomers, Monkey Ho, Caligula homocopulus," by Eric Schaller"Screaming Mimi, Datura clamo," by Yvonne Pronovost"Shade’s Globe (also: Sibylwort), Umberia medianus," by Darja Malcolm-Clarke"Singing Grass, unknown," by David Kelly"Stag-eye nettle, Urtica aboculus," by January Mortimer"Swift River Hopping Pitcher Plant, Pseudosarracenia verdeverminus," by Suzanne Palmer"Teslated Salishan Evergreen, Cupressuceaohm salishan nikola," by Livia Llewellyn"The Faerie Hogweed, Heracleum ignotum," by Philip J. Lees"The Nabokov, Unclassified, by Stephanie Campisi and Ben Peek"The Poseur Nosehairs, Animaceae Sominus," by Toiya Kristen Finley"The Sembla, Spasmodicus plasticosa," by Matthew Kressel"Thuringian Shade-tree, Umbropsida noctalus," by Catherine Gunson"Time Cactus, Chronocactus hematophageis," by Christopher M. Cevasco"Twilight Luon-Sibir, Russica spectrata," by Vera Nazarian"Ugly Tree, Medusa's Hairbrush, Acer horrendoturpis," by Tom Pendergrass"Waterbaby Cress, Nasturtium Charleskingsleni," by Erik Amundsen"Whistle tree, Catalpa musicalis," by Shweta Narayan"Wild Homilywort (var. Speechtree), Quercus loquatium," by Alex Chambers"Wind melon, Saturn melon, God's Eyes, Cucumis melo helioaero," by Dave Coulter

Imaginary Friends is a delightful compilation of whimsical fables that impart important life lessons in a fun and engaging way. The quirky personalities and amusing names of the characters, along with the charming illustrations, make it a great choice for anyone looking for humorous and light-hearted stories. It's perfect for those who enjoy short reads that combine humor with intelligent insights into different facets of life.