Does this book count as fantasy in your opinion?

[Michele]

I am genuinely not sure if this book fits in this library.

Saturdays Are Gold

My gut instinct says it does - but it is not an obvious fit.

It is set in 1940s South Africa and one of the main characters a little girl called Maudie develops an ability to 'see' traumatic and violent events in her dreams after suffering the loss of her mother in an accident. There are interactions with a Sangoma (South African medicine man) and other paranormal events.

I would have classed it as paranormal - but it isn't a paranormal romance, more a paranormal thriller/adventure/mild horror.

So what does everyone else think? Does it belong in this library or not? If not which genre would you place it in?

[Jaimey]

Does this book count as fantasy? Cant find any synopsis or plot online so cant say for certain.

If I refer to your description above, I would say it has no themes or tropes that identify it as fantasy. Theres no world-building, no magic, no unusual races, no special item of power (like excalibur, the one ring, etc), no wizard or warrior mentor, no good vs evil, no mythical creatures, no world politics, no world war themes, no reference to ancient or medieval history. So far its no.

I would say it would be grouped in the general non-fiction area in bookstores. I say this because it hasn't been described as anything fantasy or paranormal. To me it sounds like its only a hook or metaphor for some other theme, like the journey of ones self.

[Shiran]

As far as I can tell it is more a straight forward Fiction book. There is no real sense of fantasy at all. If you enjoy South African books and are looking for something in the sci-fi/ fantasy genre try Zoo City by Lauren Beukes :)

[Michele]

Thanks Jaimey for replying - I am grateful for your input.Jaimey wrote: "Does this book count as fantasy? Cant find any synopsis or plot online so cant say for certain.

Theres no world-building, no magic, no unusual races, no special item of power (like excalibur, the one ring, etc), no wizard or warrior mentor, no good vs evil, no mythical creatures, no world politics, no world war themes, no reference to ancient or medieval history. So far its no."

There is an 'evil' African sorceror who is the main villain and another 'good' witch doctor who accurately gives prophecies to the children to warn them of danger. There is a mentor, not a wizard or warrior but a very old wise man who has fought lions, survived being overboard for days in a hostile sea when all his shipmates perished and who carries a mysterious talisman from a halyard around his neck kept hidden beneath his shirt.

The book is written so that these things are taken for granted in a matter of fact way by everyone. There are stories within the narrative about African spirits and how they impact on everyday life.

Does that make a difference to your verdict?

[Bill]

It sounds paranormal/occult to me. Remember this (sub)genre was around long before the PNR fad which I hope dies an early death.

[Jaimey]

My verdict? Im not a judge but its still an obvious no for fantasy! Try comparing it to swords and sorcery, or Lord of the Rings. Obvious no. Like Kernos and Shiran said, it still sounds like either paranormal or general fiction.