Lorehaven
  • FREE SUBSCRIPTION: download every issue
  • Find the best Christian fantastic novels
  • Join book clubs and connect with other fans
NEW: Order print issues online!
Advertise Seek Review Library Add a Novel Feedback
Library

Find Christian fantastical novels

fantasy | sci-fi | supernatural and beyond
All novels Search Add a novel
Fate of the Redeemed, Chad Pettit
Valor's Worth, Rebecca P. Minor
Heartmender, V. Romas Burton
Sorrowfish, Anne C. Miles
Babel, Brennan S. McPherson
The Story Raider, Lindsay A. Franklin
Remnant, Daniel Peyton
Light from Distant Stars, Shawn Smucker
Beatitudes and Woes, editor: Travis Perry
Shard & Shield, Laura VanArendonk Baugh
Jordan's World, Allen Steadham
2085: The Rise and Fall of The Sisters, Christopher J. Weeks
Wilding, L. A. Smith
The Treasure of Capric, Brandon M. Wilborn
Daily Articles

Daily articles from SpecFaith

latest articles | archives | statement of faith
News tips Suggestions

How to Face the Devil in Combat, Part 1
| Travis Perry, Dec 12

What Was God Thinking?
| Mark Carver, Dec 11

The Impossible That God Alone Can Do
| Rebecca LuElla Miller, Dec 9

What’s in a Gift? The Backstory of the Magi’s Presents
| Patrick W. Carr, Dec 6

Reviews

Find fantastical Christian reviews

All reviews Request a review Share review

Frozen II: They Tried
| Shannon McDermott, Dec 4

‘The Tick’ Season 2 Points Viewers Toward Truth, Love, and Freedom
| Adam Graham, Sep 17

‘Joshua’ Offers Readers a Strange, Unbiblical Alt-Version of Jesus
| Audie Thacker, Sep 10

‘Warm Bodies’ Portrays a Vivid Yet Grotesque Gospel Image
| Marian Jacobs, Jul 12

Other Worlds

Find more from Christian creators

E. Stephen Burnett

Cover Reveal for The Pop Culture Parent: Helping Kids Engage Their World for Christ
| E. Stephen Burnett, Dec 6

Pssst: Christian Endorsers of Bad Books May Not Have Even Read Them
| E. Stephen Burnett, Oct 18

Commenter on Sexual-Revolutionary Allies: ‘They’re Enablers, Not Friends’
| E. Stephen Burnett, Oct 14

It’s Legalistic to Punish Joshua Harris for the Sins of ‘The Purity Culture’
| E. Stephen Burnett, Jul 29

Lorehaven
Magazines
Lorehaven Library
Speculative Faith
E. Stephen Burnett
Lorehaven serves Christian fans by finding biblical truth in fantastic stories. Book clubs, free webzines, and a web-based community offer flash reviews, articles, and news about Christian fantasy, science fiction, and other fantastical genres.
Gift Guide Subscribe to Lorehaven
/ / Articles

No Such Thing As Miracles

Author Athol Dickson: “Magical realism presents the supernatural as a matter of fact, almost as an everyday event, much as science fiction does. But like pure fantasy, magical realism refuses to explain itself.”
Athol Dickson | May 4, 2012 | No comments |

For the last few years I’ve been writing in a little backwater of a genre called “magical realism.” Most people aren’t sure what it is, but some think it’s a kind of speculative fiction.

According to Wikipedia, speculative fiction is “an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical fiction genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history in literature . . . .”

With its roots sunken deeply into the supernatural, magical realism definitely fits that definition, but it didn’t make the list of examples. Part of the reason may be the way it deals with the supernatural. It’s similar enough to be confused with other speculative fiction genres, yet different enough to be left out.

Of course, there are no rigid lines between most genres. One person’s science fiction may be another person’s fantasy. But in general terms when the supernatural occurs in science fiction it’s usually explained in natural terms. Sometimes it’s a natural part of an alternative universe (although I often find it difficult to tell the difference between alternative universe type science fiction and fantasy). More often what seems supernatural in science fiction is the extension of actual scientific trajectories far into the future. Either way, the apparently supernatural is brought down to earth, so to speak, through some sort of rational explanation. In fact, a big part of the fun with science fiction comes from exploring the technology or systems that make the fantastic events and conditions of the novel possible.

Again remembering that the dividing lines between genres are not always clear, generally speaking we can say in fantasy novels the supernatural is not explained, at least not in the natural or rational terms we find in science fiction. In fact, it’s the inability to offer a rational explanation that makes a novel fantasy. Fantasy is fantastic, which is to say, “not real; conceived or seemingly conceived by unrestrained fancy; so extreme as to challenge belief.” (Webster’s) There’s usually no interest in explaining the fantastic things that happen in a fantasy novel. In fact, explanations might spoil the fun of exploring the unrestrained creativity that a fantasy novel delivers to its fans.

Magical realism gets lost in the gray area between science fiction and fantasy. It borrows something from both genres, while lacking aspects of each. Magical realism presents the supernatural as a matter of fact, almost as an everyday event, much as science fiction does. But like pure fantasy, magical realism refuses to explain itself. You’re reading a story that seems to be taking place in the real world, then suddenly the hero walks off the edge of a cliff and just keeps going, apparently immune to the law of gravity. But the author doesn’t mention gravity. The author doesn’t even remark on the strangeness of a person walking in mid air. The author simply continues telling the hero’s story as if nothing supernatural is happening, and if this defiance of gravity is a natural thing happening in the real world. That’s magical realism.

I think magical realism is a perfect fit with Christian fiction, because when you think about it, the description I just wrote almost perfectly conforms with the way the Bible deals with the supernatural. Think of the very first worlds in the Bible: “In the beginning, God created . . . .” The author of Genesis doesn’t make the slightest effort to explain who God is, or how he created the universe. We’re simply told this fantastic thing occurred—something out of nothing—as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Another example: for forty years in the Sinai desert an entire nation is kept alive by bread given to them directly from heaven, one omer per person, yet the story ends with words so dry and matter of fact that they might have been a margin note in a textbook: “An omer is one tenth of an ephah.” That’s it. The end. What could be more natural?

The Bible’s stories about Jesus are particularly reminiscent of magical realism. Jesus touches two blind men’s eyes and the Bible simply says, “Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” Sight is given to the blind, but there’s no hoopla at all. Simply, “they followed him,” end of story. And in another place, when Jesus tells his disciples to pass out a few handfuls of bread and fish to five thousand people, the Bible says simply, “They all ate and were satisfied.” The story is presented as if creating something out of nothing and then using it to feed thousands of people happens every day.

Which, of course, it does.

It was while thinking about miracles, and particularly Jesus’ statement that all it takes to move a mountain is faith the size of a mustard seed, that I got a glimmer of the idea that turned into my first Christy Award-winning novel, River Rising. The question I asked myself was, “What would daily life look like for someone with that kind of faith?”

The answer surprised me. I decided if miracles were a normal part of everyday life, then miracles would no longer be miracles, at least not by the usual definition of the term. To work miracles on a routine basis would mean miracles were normal. Natural. But then of course, they wouldn’t be miracles, would they? So I wrote a story about a man like that, a man named Hale Poser, and as a result of the novel’s premise it ended up being a pretty fair representation of the magical realism genre. The supernatural became natural. Hale Poser was a man who might walk off a cliff and keep walking and not even notice, and because he did that kind of thing routinely, for him, it would be no miracle. Sort of like another man might walk on water.

Now, having several magical realism novels under my belt, I have to wonder what it says about us as a people that we feel compelled to rigorously separate speculative fiction genres from other forms of fiction which we consider more realistic. It’s a way to quickly communicate a novel’s format or style to readers, of course, so on that level there’s a practical reason. But on a deeper level it’s an interesting place to draw a line, because of course the fantastic does happen, all day every day. Water turns to ice. Electricity runs through wires. Little animals emerge from the bodies of bigger ones. People somehow find the strength to forgive each other. No one really understands how these things happen. All around us every moment of our lives is magical, if by that we mean life is constantly influenced and infused by the supernatural.

So it seems to me there’s nothing really speculative about this way of writing fiction. IF anything, in mentioning the supernatural I’m writing about the world as it actually is, because the more true-to-life a story really is, the more the “realism” in a story will seem “magical.”

Athol Dickson is a novelist, teacher, and independent publisher. His novels transcend description with a literary style that blends magical realism, suspense, and a strong sense of spirituality. Critics have favorably compared his work to such diverse authors as Octavia Butler (Publisher’s Weekly), Hermann Hesse (The New York Journal of Books) and Flannery O’Connor (The New York Times). One of his novels, River Rising, is an Audie Award winner, and three have won Christy Awards. His most recent novel, The Opposite Of Art, is a mystical story about pride, passion, and murder as a spiritual pursuit. Athol’s next release will be a “Christy award collection” of his four best selling novels, updated and with new forewords. Each of the novels was a Christy finalist. Athol lives with his wife in southern California. Please visit his website at www.AtholDickson.com, and like his Facebook fan page.

Athol Dickson
Athol Dickson is a novelist, teacher, and independent publisher. His novels transcend description with a literary style that blends magical realism, suspense, and a strong sense of spirituality. Critics have favorably compared his work to such diverse authors as Octavia Butler (Publisher's Weekly), Hermann Hesse (The New York Journal of Books) and Flannery O'Connor (The New York Times). One of his novels, River Rising, is an Audie Award winner, and three have won Christy Awards. His most recent novel, The Opposite Of Art, is a mystical story about pride, passion, and murder as a spiritual pursuit. Athol's next release will be a "Christy award collection” of his four best selling novels, updated and with new forewords. Each of the novels was a Christy finalist. Athol lives with his wife in southern California. Please visit his website at www.AtholDickson.com, and like his Facebook fan page.
Website |
  • Tweet
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Print
  • Pocket
  • WhatsApp
  • Magic Realism, Part 3Magic Realism, Part 3

Leave a Reply

Connect with
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
avatar
Pleased to meet you.
Help fans find you.
Just in case you subscribe to anything.
Connect with
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
avatar
Pleased to meet you.
Help fans find you.
Just in case you subscribe to anything.
  Subscribe  
Notify of
Galadriel
Guest
Galadriel

This story sounds like something I might check into.  I have read one magic realism novel (Bless Me, Ultima) and one novel by a Christian author that has magic realism tendacies (Peace Like a River by Leif Enger). It’s not a genre I have found often, but might be interested in reading more of.

Vote Up0Vote Down  Reply
7 years ago
Morgan Busse
Member
Morgan Busse

“But on a deeper level it’s an interesting place to draw a line, because of course the fantastic does happen, all day every day. Water turns to ice. Electricity runs through wires. Little animals emerge from the bodies of bigger ones. People somehow find the strength to forgive each other. No one really understands how these things happen. All around us every moment of our lives is magical, if by that we mean life is constantly influenced and infused by the supernatural.”
 
I love this! I think about this all the time, about the miracles that are happening around me. Like leaves turning colors, how awesome and scary tornadoes are (I live in Kansas), and the way soap is able to make molecules of dirt cling to it rather than me and wash away. And then I bow my head and realize how absolutely awesome God is that He came up with all this stuff!

Vote Up0Vote Down  Reply
7 years ago
AccidentalPoet
Guest
AccidentalPoet

“Most people aren’t sure what it is” – whatever it is, you’re adept at it.  I thoroughly enjoy your books.

Vote Up0Vote Down  Reply
7 years ago
Kay Day
Guest
Kay Day

River Rising is my favorite.
I agree with all you’ve said. Good to hear from you! 

Vote Up0Vote Down  Reply
7 years ago
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Admin
Rebecca LuElla Miller

Excellent post, Athol. My latest speculation has been about what it would look like if all of us who believe God is sovereign would act like it. Or who believe He has forgiven us would forgive in like kind. How would we pray if we prayed like Christ? How would our world change if we prayed more for lost sinners than for aches and pains? Not that we should stop the one, but should emphasize the other. Anyway, thanks for stirring up these thoughts anew!

Becky

Vote Up0Vote Down  Reply
7 years ago
Carlson
Guest
Carlson

I really like River Rising, too.  It’s such a wonderful work. And you’ve got a lot of good points here about miracles and such. So what do you really believe in? Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful post. And by the way, you’ve got a very brilliant blog.

Vote Up0Vote Down  Reply
7 years ago
Kirsty
Guest
Kirsty

There are three things that are too amazing for me,
    four that I do not understand:
the way of an eagle in the sky,
    the way of a snake on a rock,
the way of a ship on the high seas,
    and the way of a man with a young woman.

Prov 30v18-19

Vote Up0Vote Down  Reply
7 years ago
  • FREE SUBSCRIPTION: download every issue
  • Find the best Christian fantastic novels
  • Join book clubs and connect with other fans
NEW: Order print issues online!
Advertise Seek Review Library Add a Novel Feedback

Daily articles from SpecFaith

latest articles | archives | statement of faith
News tips Suggestions

How to Face the Devil in Combat, Part 1
| Travis Perry, Dec 12

What Was God Thinking?
| Mark Carver, Dec 11

The Impossible That God Alone Can Do
| Rebecca LuElla Miller, Dec 9

What’s in a Gift? The Backstory of the Magi’s Presents
| Patrick W. Carr, Dec 6