[5.28.06]
Imagine, a university of magic… You don't need to imagine anymore! DNA India reports that a new course at Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata will be "geared towards helping movie makers, animators and others linked to the world of illusion and magic realism." The creator of the curriculum, PC Sorcar Jr., explains that “the aim behind institutionalising magic is to eliminate superstitions and make people think rationally.” Response to the future course (fall 2006) has been overwhelming and may very well pave the way for the creation of an actual University of Magical Arts in Kolkata. Whodathunk?

[5.24.06]
Our friends at the wonderful independent publishing house, The Aliform Group, recently shared great news: one of their own has done well. Jose Sarney's recent novel, Master of the Sea, translated by Dr. Gregory Rabassa and published by Aliform, won third place in ForeWord magazine's Book of the Year award in translation. I'm not surprised; it's a wonderful novel. Check it out here

[5.24.06]
Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits will come to the stage in Seattle in June 2007, dramatized by playwright Myra Platt. More info

[5.22.06]
The novel, Borrowed Body, by Valerie Mason-John, recently won the Mind Book of the Year award. The judges, Blake Morrison, Michele Roberts and Fay Weldon credited the novel for its "authenticity, despite being a blend of fictional memoir and magical realist fantasy." Read about it at The Guardian Unlimited

[5.21.06]
Here's a nice article about magical realism written by Omale Allen Abduljabbar of the Nigerian literati for Vanguard. Segue: An excellent reminder: June's edition of Margin will play host to dozens of international writers of magical realism. Stay tuned!