Can it be an escape at the same time that it is dystopian torture? If there is magic, yes. If there is a glimmer of hope, yes.

Magic, dammit, I need it, somehow, someway in there. But, yet, it must be just the right degree. Too much and I guess life is just too easy. Working it just right, feels a bit too much like being God, as opposed to really being down in the world. Working it just right means you see the cotton stuffing. Maybe.

Look at Shardik. It could be said there isn't actually any magic, although it's still definitely fantasy. Extreme coincidences in a low tech setting. Still it works.

Would it be enough for me? Coincidences/Luck?

....what is the glimmer of hope amongst the barely bearable misery?