Dune
Ratings2,754
Average rating4.3
man, talk about a timeless classic. the author effortlessly weaved together some of the most morally grey and intriguing characters, immersing me in this epic tale of the exploration of power and the human spirit, which, although could be argued is overdone, felt fresh and original.
Made me experience child-like wonder again.
I thought it would be intimidating to be thrust into a whole new universe. The book opens up and talks about distinct characteristics of the universe as if the reader already knows what all these things about. It's a nice mental exercise to figure out more about the universe and the specific story at the same time. Like there are plans within plans in the story, there's discoveries within discoveries set for the reader.
I appreciate this for its impact on the genre and as the source for Denis Villeneuve's masterful adaptation, but Dune is ultimately a slog and glaringly outdated. Thankfully the films were able to refresh the story and give Paul and Chani some character.
Overall 8/10
Plot 8/10
Characters 8/10
World & Concepts 10/10
Prose 6/10
Theme 8/10
Narration 6/10
Enjoyment 9/10
Coming from two years worth of a reader's ennui and having watched both Dune movies already, I didn't expect much from this book. I expected it to fare the same way a lot of other fiction books had in this post covid reading slump I was in... Discarded after a couple of chapters of not being able to capture my attention.
However, I now understand why Frank Herbert is called the JRR Tolkien of science fiction. I can't wait to learn more about the Dune Universe, CHOAM and even Salusa Secundus. I could almost see Paul Atreides facing the trials and tribulations that Arrakis threw at him. And what a way to get me excited about Princess Irulan's character in the upcoming books by having her share tidbits about the world of Dune at the beginning of each chapter!
PS. Definitely diving into Dune Messiah right away!
My friend Laleh's review (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4955092306) starts: “I'm not quite sure why I expected to dislike one of the most popular science fiction books of all time, but I did.” I felt the same, going in. When Denis's DUNE came out a few years back, people raved. I kept hearing, “you've just GOT to see it on a big screen!” Sometimes when things are universally loved and praised, and I'm told how perfect they are, I have a spiteful urge to abstain. I didn't go see the movie. Eventually, when I watched it on my TV at home, nothing really stood out to me. The second movie did get to me and I really enjoyed it.
Thus, the book. I found myself thinking a lot about the adaptation choices that Denis made in his (so far) two films. Most of these are quite interesting! Only a little of the complex webs between characters are lost, and sometimes for the better. I heard once that the book has so much inner narration that it would be “unadaptable” — but I think Denis proves otherwise. Reflecting on the two parts of Denis's film and my first read of the book, I think the adaptive choices made work.
I am impressed at how this book jumps from character to character seamlessly and in a way that does not cause confusion or consternation. There is an interweaving theme of ‘plans within plans within plans' and ‘feints within feints within feints' and the reader is aware and unaware of these at all times, often not overtly.
At an event recently, I asked an author (of a different book) about a choice they made to start a novel in such a way as to be confusing. The author explained that they wanted the reader to be confused. They went on to say that they didn't like the notion that writing had to be accessible to everyone or easy to read. I can't quote the person exactly because this has been a few weeks ago, but I've been thinking about their statements. I didn't agree in the moment, and after reading Dune I feel even more sure of my belief. Writers can create confusion and a sense of unknowing without making the reader frustrated and feeling stupid. This is something the author at the event—in my view—failed at. It's something Herbert demonstrates mastery at in Dune.
I started reading with some concern that the films would overwhelm my imaginings of characters and locations. I didn't have this problem, in fact I found myself thinking a little more about Lynch's Dune than Denis's (and even then, little, as I've only seen stills). My mental illustration of the Baron Harkonnen is remarkably different from that in Denis's film (I had a lot of trouble shaking Stellan's incredible accent, though). The one character/casting I had trouble dislodging was Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck. I resisted it at first, but in the end found that I really like the casting and enjoyed it even more as I continued reading.
Another friend asked me, early in my reading, if I found the book too philosophic. I hadn't encountered much of the philosophy in the book, yet. Or, I had but didn't detect it. In the far past I subjected myself to Ayn Rand's scribbles and thus often forget that philosophy doesn't have to be in-your-face monologuing for a hundred pages. Herbert weaves in a lot, sometimes in-your-face (“an old B-G axiom:..”), sometimes with subtlety. I found I enjoyed these little tidbits, and enjoyed sorting through the broader philosophical exploration of identity.
I will certainly read, at least, Dune Messiah, if only because the ending to this book is so abrupt. I almost feel it incomplete, as though there's a missing coda.
—Mild story details follow—
“No more terrible disaster could befall your people than for them to fall into the hands of a Hero,” a character says. Throughout much of the book, Paul Atreides contends with visions and his overriding desire to prevent them. The book has ideas on identity, prophecy, and most of all self-fulfilling prophecy. The way Herbert weaves these together is splendid. There is a time jump that covers a lot of work, and I wish we'd gotten to experience some of what is in there. There are several key events that I think a reader could point to as a “moment of transformation” for a certain character, but I don't know that there is any one moment. I think we experience a gradual building of ethos and a look at the way in which the stories we tell others become the stories we tell ourselves, and how quickly these can cause us to betray ourselves.
I was not planning to read the other books in the series, but I feel compelled to at least read Messiah. As much as I enjoyed the book, especially the last few hundred pages, it comes to an abrupt stop that left me a little bumfuzzled.
A classic for a reason. Immersive world and character building. Draws you into the environment and you can't put it down. Tense, exciting, dramatic and sad.
Must be read by sci-fi/fantasy fans.
It is true that at the beginning of the book you will be very confused. It is also true that everything will make sense as you push through each chapter.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Herbert is a masterful world-builder injecting as much detail as can fit in every single chapter.
One of the finest world buildings I have ever seen. Saw the slow and systematic building of the world's ecology, culture, religion, and politics.
Best bit? Herbert did not spoon feed. At moments I forgot I was reading a work of fiction, where elements of mysticism become placeholders; metaphors for something bigger.
One of those kinds of books I would like my children to read. Definitely will be coming back to the world of Dune.
The book that inspired not only the famous Star Wars. A story so sophisticated, thoughtful and as mentioned for the millionth time - complex. I'll admit that reading it was a little challenging for me. I didn't know what I was getting into and the complexity of the history of the world of Dune took me by surprise. So I cracked through the first book very slowly and carefully, even going back to important passages that were very essential to understanding the lore. And I don't regret a single line.
Politics plays a big role here too, and it makes the book all the more real. Baron Harkonnen as a villain was great. He was a properly greedy man, and it was his greed that was his undoing.
But after 600 pages, I need to read something where I don't have to engage my brain cells so much.
Dune learned to walk so Star Wars could run.
It's just a shame that D. Lynch screwed up the film adaptation (Dune, 1984) like hell.
The intricacy of this work is mesmerising, only slightly tainted by its extensive religious universe leaded by the Fremen (the most tedious parts to go through, with all the ridiculously numerous rituals).
Incredible. A fascinating, intriguing and wholly ingenious story. It’s clear that Herbert thought out and planned every aspect of the book. The complexity and detail of it is incomparable.
Frank Herbert's Dune is a monumental achievement in science fiction literature, earning every bit of its five-star rating. From the moment you step into this immersive universe, you're thrust into a world of political intrigue, complex characters, and an environment so vividly described, it feels like you could reach out and touch the sands of Arrakis.
The inclusion of a glossary is a testament to Herbert's dedication to ensuring readers can fully immerse themselves in his richly crafted world. It's a thoughtful touch that, for the most part, aids in navigating the intricacies of the Dune universe. Personally, I found that accompanying the audiobook with the physical text was a stroke of genius, as it allowed for a seamless experience, minimizing the risk of mispronunciations and enhancing the overall immersion.
Herbert's writing is nothing short of extraordinary. His meticulous attention to detail when describing the desert landscape of Arrakis showcases a deep understanding of ecology, elevating the setting to a character in its own right. The harsh beauty of the desert is palpable, and one can almost feel the sand beneath their feet as they journey alongside the characters.
The plot is a masterclass in storytelling. Herbert weaves a complex web of political manoeuvring, personal vendettas, and power struggles that keep the reader on the edge of their seat throughout. The characters' internal dialogues are masterfully depicted, providing insight into their motivations and fears. The scene you allude to, where thoughts are narrated during a seemingly mundane dinner, is a testament to Herbert's skill in seamlessly blending exposition with action, adding depth to the narrative.
Dune is not just a story; it's a fully realized world that challenges the imagination and leaves an indelible mark on the reader's psyche. It's a testament to Herbert's vision and literary prowess that this novel remains a cornerstone of science fiction, influencing countless works that followed.
An absolute tour de force in the realm of speculative fiction, deserving of every one of its five stars. Whether you're a seasoned sci-fi enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this book is a must-read that will transport you to a world both familiar and utterly alien, leaving you yearning for more.