I just had to post this quote by author Clive James, whom I've never read, who remarked in an interview in The Guardian:
I don't read much literary criticism but that pretty much captures my opposition to literature which relies upon that technique or "gimmick", if you will.The most overrated books almost all emerged simultaneously from a single genre: magic realism. I can’t stand it. I always found ordinary realism quite magic enough.
Actually, I've read some that were otherwise near great, imho, but lost me due to the reliance upon the suspension of reality they demand.
I certainly don't fault anyone who enjoys the genre...the issue is clearly my own. I was just heartened by reading James' quote in the article.