Alan Lightman

I have for a long time loved fabulist, imaginative fiction, such as the writing of Italo Calvino, Jose Saramago, Michael Bulgakov, and Salman Rushdie. I also like the magic realist writers, such as Borges and Marquez, and feel that interesting truths can be learned about our world by exploring highly distorted worlds.

American Physicist

John Hodgman

My biggest superhero of writing is Jorge Luis Borges, the Argentine fabulist. He's an amazingly perceptive writer, but also willing to make a joke.

American Comedian

Used when indicating that someone’s stories are imaginative, but likely untrue.

Doubtful Truths

Implies a person who adds fictional details to make stories more interesting.

Embellisher

Understand that 'fabulist' can cast doubt on the reliability of a narrator.

Reliable Narrator

Recognize that fabulists are part of a long storytelling tradition, often with moral lessons.

Literary Tradition

Note that fables from fabulists typically feature animals with human characteristics.

Fable Characteristics

Fables by a fabulist often aim to teach a moral or ethical lesson.

Fabulist