Meaning: Angela Carter, a renowned novelist, wrote this quote in her book "The Bloody Chamber," a collection of dark and fantastical short stories. This particular quote reflects the author's personal history and serves as an introduction to her unique blend of magical realism and historical context.

The quote begins with a deeply personal revelation about the author's mother, linking her own existence to a pivotal moment in history. The timing of her mother's realization of her pregnancy coinciding with the declaration of the Second World War adds a layer of significance to the quote. This juxtaposition of personal and global events sets the stage for the magical realism that Angela Carter is known for, as she weaves together the extraordinary and the ordinary in her storytelling.

The family "talent" for magic realism mentioned in the quote suggests a tradition or inclination towards embracing the fantastical and the extraordinary within the author's family. This idea of a "family talent" hints at the inheritance of a unique outlook on life, one that combines the real and the magical in a seamless manner. This notion is central to the magical realism genre, which often involves the integration of fantastical elements into everyday settings and events.

Furthermore, the quote implies that Angela Carter's mother may have used this family "talent" for magic realism as a way to impart a sense of wonder and imagination to her daughter. By attributing her visit to the doctor on the day she learned about her pregnancy to magical coincidence, the mother creates a narrative that elevates the author's conception to a moment of extraordinary significance.

The mention of "magic realism" in the quote also alludes to the literary style that Angela Carter herself employs in her works. Magic realism is a genre that blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy, infusing the ordinary with elements of the extraordinary. This style allows for the exploration of deeper truths and emotions through the use of fantastical elements, making it a powerful tool for storytelling.

In "The Bloody Chamber" and other works, Angela Carter masterfully incorporates elements of magic realism to create rich, evocative narratives that challenge traditional storytelling conventions. Her use of this genre enables her to delve into complex themes and emotions while maintaining a sense of wonder and enchantment.

Overall, this quote from Angela Carter offers a glimpse into the personal and literary influences that shape her work. It sets the stage for the exploration of magical realism, personal history, and the interplay between the extraordinary and the everyday. By intertwining her own origin story with the backdrop of a world-changing event, Carter sets the tone for the captivating and thought-provoking narratives that define her writing.