This is a continuation of the Science Fiction / Fantasy Genre Glossary Project posts. For the complete genre index click here.
What is magical realism?
A genre where magical/supernatural elements are blended seamlessly with the reality of our world. These magical events may are unexplained and are treated as mundane occurrences. Magical realism is not escapist, but shows the world from the eyes of characters whose perception of reality may differ from the norm.
The art of Andrea Kowch - via Art & Critique
Magical realism has its roots in the literature of Latin America, but has lately become a term used in English-language literature. The definition is often disputed. See the further discussion links below for information on the history and controversies surrounding magical realism.
Literary examples
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
Chocolat by Joanne Harris
Further discussion
What is Magical Realism?
What is Magical Realism, Really?
Magic Realism
"[Magic realism] is like a polite way of saying you write fantasy." Terry Prachett
Do you have a different definition?
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When pressed for a definition of what I do, I use "gritty urban magical realism." I like your definition, that the magical elements "may are unexplained and are treated as mundane occurrences."
That's very much the point, I think. The magical elements are not at the center, they are not what drives the story. I have a mystery story where the detective becomes curious about three characters who are perhaps not human. She clears them of suspicion about the crime, but then she starts to investigate them out of curiosity. They protest that they are not guilty of anything and they are not harming anybody, so they're entitled to their privacy. The detective agreed. They're in another story now, and their secrets won't be revealed there, either.
Thanks for adding to the discussion Anthony!