Dune (Dune Chronicles, Book 1)
by Frank Herbert
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Book Summary Information
Author: Frank HerbertEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1990-09-01
ISBN: 0441172717
Number of pages: 896
Publisher: Ace
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780441172719
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of Dune (Dune Chronicles, Book 1)
Book Review: "Fear is the Mind-Killer..."
Summary: 5 Stars
I'll keep this review brief, as to be honest, I'm not sure that there's much to say that hasn't already been said (and said much more eloquently) by other reviewers. First published in the 1960s, Frank Herbert's "Dune" and its consequent sequels are the science-fiction equivalent to fantasy's "The Lord of the Rings." Dense, detailed and complicated, "Dune" cannot be read just once in order to fully appreciate the immense time and effort that went into its creation.
Best (but over-simply) described as a story of political intrigue and power, "Dune" takes place predominantly on the planet Arrakis, where immense sandworms traverse the endless deserts and cultivate the substance known as spice, the most precious commodity in the universe. Governance of this planet has recently passed from the Harkonnen to the Atreides household, and Duke Leto Atreides and his family is preparing for the upheaval in their lives. His young son Paul, the product of the Duke and his beloved concubine Jessica, is greeted with particular interest on arrival in Arrakis, believed to be a subject of prophecy by the native Fremen people.
But the Harkonnen household will not so easily give up their hold over Arrakis and the spice, and have taken measures to ensure the death of the new royal family. Thrown in amongst the fierce Fremen people, Paul creates a new identity for himself as messiah and ruler, the only one who can restore the planet to its rightful inhabitants. Of course, that's easier said than done and the effort takes place over a great number of years, filled with intrigue, betrayal, love, allies, enemies, war, marriage and political manoeuvring. It is intensely complicated, with many futuristic customs and ideologies that are never fully explained, effectively throwing the reader into a brand new world in which they must sink or swim. Many will find this exhilarating, others will be immensely confused, despite the presence of Appendixes and a Glossary of terms used.
Herbert's great novel is unique because, despite the fact that it is science-fiction, it still has plenty of room for religious belief and practice, which in fact makes up the most intriguing part of the novel. The Bene Gesserit order was (for me) immensely fascinating, what with its elaborate scheming and genetic planning. Their unique fighting abilities, their prescience, their sheer calculated guile - it all makes for one of the most interesting and imaginative components of the story.
The narrative is primarily centred on intrigue and movement as opposed to any descriptive passages on either character or setting, making it a rather difficult read at times. In fact, the narrative technique of the novel is utterly unique given that it is so intimate in detail despite the fact that the story is so epic in scope; you never get any `eye-of-God' passages, all events are strictly presented through the experiences of the character involved. A story that is told almost entirely through internal soliloquies and dialogue between characters - that's a rare thing, and it is a testimony to Herbert's skill that he got away with it. I must admit though, that at times I felt a little claustrophobic in terms of the intimacy of the writing. I know it is considered hubris by many to criticise such a work, but a little more "breathing room" amongst the density of the plot and ideologies would have been much appreciated.
But in a way my complaints are irrelevant, as "Dune" should be read in any case. A milestone in the tradition of science-fiction as well as a fascinating read in its own right (both through technique and story), "Dune" is one of those modern classics that has to be read and appreciated before you die.
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