This session was a bit different to the others so far, because this one was a discussion panel. Moderated by Angela Meyer, the other guests were Jan Carson, author of The Fire Starters, and Robbie Arnott, author of The Rain Heron. Both of these authors write magical realism, and while their novels are vastly different, their reasons for injecting magic into their writing were quite similar, as well their views on using magical realism as a conduit for writing heavy themes.
I actually enjoyed hearing from both authors, however, looking over my notes after the session revealed a leaning towards what Jan had to say. My reason for this is pretty obvious to myself as Jan’s novel is about Northern Ireland’s Troubles, which is a topic I’ve been keenly interested in since about 1995, and everything Jan had to say about present day Northern Ireland within this context was captivating.
The question was asked of both authors as to whether or not magical realism allows for reality to be more effectively addressed because you are essentially ignoring it.
Both gave a firm yes.
Robbie made the point that he can create a world that mirrors the issues we are currently facing but without the drag of worrying about accuracy in terms of who the President is and if he’s got the timeline of something right. With total invention comes creative freedom.
Which links in with what Jan said. The Fire Starters is set in contemporary Belfast, and by using absurd fantastical elements alongside life as it is in Belfast, she can give readers a ‘sucker punch’, a call to wake-up and have a reaction.
Robbie agreed, stating that thinking of something in highly imaginative terms often gives a person a new perspective on an existing crisis.
I enjoy reading magical realism, so much of what was discussed throughout the entire session really resonated. I’m interested in reading both of these novels now. The session was a lively one and so much more was explored, particularly regarding writing violence, but my notes got a bit thin towards the end as I became more engrossed in what they were saying!
Theresa Smith Writes 
I listened to Kevin Kwan’s session last night. That was a lot of fun. And looking forward to Anne Enright tonight. Digital makes it very accessible, doesn’t it?
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It’s brilliant! They’ve done an amazing job with it.
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LOL My notes got scrappier than yours did.
A very interesting session, I’d be reading The Fire Starters tonight if my copy had arrived from Readings! (Not complaining, they have done a brilliant job of getting the books to us, I ordered mine in three batches and I’ve already got the first two.)
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The Fire Starter sounds really good. Wasn’t she fantastic? I could have listened to her for another hour.
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I thought about going to this session but we were having afternoon tea with friends so I had to miss this one.
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They didn’t tell you at the time of booking, but you can actually watch each session for three hours after the start time.
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But afternoon tea could pretty much take 3 hours! I have found that the three hours is just not long enough for the ones I really want to attend – all of which are at really terrible times for me. Yes, I could give up yoga and movie-with-friends-night and having-my-dad-for-lunch but these are important activities that involve other people or my health so … however, if yoga is cancelled, I know what I’ll be doing!
I was interested in Arnott’s comment that “he can create a world that mirrors the issues we are currently facing but without the drag of worrying about accuracy in terms of who the President is and if he’s got the timeline of something right. With total invention comes creative freedom.” I know that’s partly why some writers like to set their novels in fictional places – they don’t have to have the church on the right corner etc!! But, I can see that total invention means you haven’t got to worry about at all about those persnickety readers who want perfect accuracy in their fiction!
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Ha! I can relate to three hour long afternoon teas when I’m with my bookclub!
It’s highly imaginative writing, magical realism. So much skill really, in total invention, maybe more so than I’ve ever given it credit for.
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I think it is particularly skilful when writers slip in and out of it, but I agree overall too. The way they can make it feel almost real but yet not quite, as against traditional fantasy, for example.
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Yes! I do struggle a bit with traditional fantasy in a way that I don’t with magical realism.
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Me too.
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I’m nearly finished the Rain Heron. It’s interesting, I’m not sure how else to describe it.
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I know Tracey from Carpe Librum loved it. She wrote a glowing review recently.
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It’s not that I haven’t enjoyed it, I just don’t know how to describe it. I can’t say I loved it, but it was good. I wanted to love it and maybe it was my mood when I started it, it’s been a bit of a stop start read for me.
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I can really relate to that though because I’m such a moody mood reader.
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