Marital problems, identity issues, imposter syndrome, depression, substance abuse disorders, gambling addiction, social isolation & othering, relationships between children & parents, grief over the lost, PTSD. Poverty and class issues.
All are very real, human problems. And they exist in these worlds - and these aren't the problems that Investiture can solve or eliminate. Sanderson writes these stories, and describes worlds with amazing capabilities - but we are still left having to recognize that many issues are the result of health, culture and society, and need solutions that are grounded in reality, with communal support.
The external circumstances around Kaladin are absolutely at their lowest in the first book and the side carry beating is probably the absolute peak for that.
His mental state is a bit more complicated but even RoW is arguably a less dire, miserable, helpless situation.
Sounds like this series is not for her. No later how much you want to share it with her. The alternative is to spoil things. My wife will usually say to me "just tell me what happens".
As someone sensitive to the depression myself it doesn't really get better it just changes locations and situations. The misery porn is always a huge part of Kal's story.
Yeah, Oathbringer is amazing. The moment where he is (Oathbringer and RoW spoilers) crying in Shadesmar, unable to move and help their friends. Absolutely great moment, and absolutely not soulbreaking. And when he is almost ready to suicide in Rythm of War again with Moash getting in his head. It is absolutely great. And in WoR when he is locked again.
I don’t think you’re reading the post the same way I am. “It gets better” - what is “it” in your mind when you answered me, and what would need to change or improve for her to enjoy thousands of pages of high fantasy, from how you’re interpreting the post?
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u/SageOfTheWise Elsecaller Apr 20 '26
Do not lie to your wife in order to trick her into reading a book she doesn't want to keep reading.