In Salman Rushdie's book "East, West," a character named Zulu presents an intriguing observation about J.R.R. Tolkien's map of Middle Earth. He suggests that this fictional realm closely aligns with the geography of central England and Wales, raising the possibility that magical lands may exist right around us. This idea prompts reflection on how fantasy intertwines with reality.
The notion that fairylands could be hidden within familiar landscapes invites readers to reconsider the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary. It emphasizes the importance of imagination and the potential for wonder in our everyday surroundings, encouraging us to explore the magic that might be concealed in plain sight.