Borges in the Balkans: Interpretations of Magical Realism

• In Event: The Balkans and World Literature

Abstract

Beginning in the 1960s, Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges gained international recognition for his fantastic fictions. A precursor to the magical realist movement of Latin America, Borges cultivated a distinct style that later inspired various Balkan writers, such as Danilo Kiš, Milorad Pavić, and the Zagreb “borgesovci” group of the 1970s. This paper examines their different interpretations of Borges in their own writing and how they adapt his style and thematic concerns to the context of the Balkans.

Author

• Sylvie Vidan, UCLA