I think the whole book was about the depression the man lived with. Yes, he had been in the military and had many bad memories, but should he have treated his wife so bad? No, he was also selfish in not granting her combined ownership of the land. So selfish and inhibited to live with. Never knowing his moods. The book ended with the wife still not being on an equal with him.. put a bad taste on my mouth. The author should have at least ended it well instead of always being overshadowed by his hang ups!