Life’s adventures can be exhilarating, but they can also be overwhelming. Sometimes, we need a safe harbor — a place to step away from the storm, catch our breath, and recalibrate before setting sail again. That’s where the beauty of cathartic escapism comes in: stepping into a richly-imagined world that allows us to process difficult emotions in a space that feels safe, creative, and full of possibility.

For Maura, 2024 has been a year of discovering that harbor in the lavishly crafted world of Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings. Here’s what she exclaimed to me on the series:

READ ROBIN HOBB (otherwise known as Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden)! They have created an incredibly rich and unendingly interesting fantasy universe that I cannot recommend enough. The books written under the pen name of Robin Hobb, take place in the realm of the Elderlings. This universe has everything a fantasy enthusiast could be looking for: magic🔮, political intrigue👑, pirates⚓, dragons🐲, mysterious prophecies🤔, and a deeply captivating cast of characters👥. All that to say, I truly have not enjoyed a series this much in years and I would love to share these books with others! 

Hobb’s stories are more than an escape; they are a space to reflect, feel, and reconnect. They’re a sandbox for grappling with real emotions and ideas. Through Fitz’s struggles with identity and belonging, or the political intrigue that pulses through the Liveship Traders Trilogy, Hobb creates a lens for readers to explore complex issues in a way that feels approachable. In moments of heartbreak, triumph, or quiet introspection, Hobb reminds us that the emotions we face, whether in her world or ours, are what make us human.

Escapism, when done thoughtfully, isn’t avoidance. It’s a chance to pause, adjust our sails, and gather the strength to dive back into our own stories with fresh courage. These stories allow us space to process the hard truths of our world by experiencing them in a different one. Fantasy worlds like Hobb’s don’t just whisk us away indefinitely; they prepare us for our triumphant return.

As 2024 comes to a close, let’s celebrate the stories that have given us space to reflect and grow. What has helped you process your world this year? Was it a fantastical realm, a thought-provoking memoir, or a heartfelt romance? Share your escapist experiences with us – or stop by the library to find your next great escape.