Brandon Sanderson Profile Sparks Controversy Over Literary Critique

The profile has drawn mixed reactions, described as either harsh or elitist, depending on the reader's views on the literary merits of Sanderson's popular works, including his contributions to the Wheel of Time series, which he completed after Robert Jordan’s death, and his numerous books set in the “Cosmere” and “Cytoverse” fictional universes.

Kehe critiques Sanderson's writing and his identity as a Mormon, questioning the absence of a notable literary reputation that matches his commercial success. He comments, “Sanderson is extremely Mormon. What makes less sense is why there’s a hole the size of Utah where the man’s literary reputation should be.” He also expresses disappointment with Sanderson's self-reflection and writing style, describing sentences such as, “It was going to be very bad this time,” and “She felt a feeling of dread” as lacking depth. The central argument presented by Kehe is that Sanderson's prolific output undermines quality, likening him to a writer suffering from graphomania.

In response to the critique, Sanderson took to Reddit, addressing Kehe’s commentary with a mix of sharp observations and kindness. He implied that Kehe struggled to find an engaging narrative, stating, “[Kehe] seems to be a sincere man who tried very hard to find a story, discovered that there wasn’t one that interested him, then floundered in trying to figure out what he could say to make deadline.”

The profile has stirred discussions about the nature of literary criticism today, particularly as negative reviews have become increasingly rare amid the intertwining interests of book publishing and media. Kehe's piece stands out as it challenges the norm, potentially appealing to readers seeking more contentious discourse in literary journalism.