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barafra's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.5
While I enjoyed learning more about the man and the influences behind Dune, this book was at times a chore to read and could have used more editing (especially at the beginning and to remove repetitive parts). Certain chapters by themselves were well written, emotional, and fast paced. You can see a significant change and improvement in the writing as Brian Herbert, the narrator and son of Frank Herbert, grows up, confronts his father for his parental shortcomings, and becomes close to his father as an adult and writing colleague. These chapters were very moving to read. I appreciated the honest portrayal of Frank from the perspective of a child and then of an adult son and fellow sci-fi writer as well as the candid writing in those personal family moments. In a weird coincidence, I ended up reading the middle of the book while vacationing in Maui, Hawaii. Therefore, I also appreciated the vivid descriptions of Kawaloa and informative passages on the community that surrounded Frank and Beverly in their later years. The heart of the book is Frank’s relationship with Beverly, his wife, creative collaborator, and mother of his children. It is very tragic and almost story-like that Beverly becomes ill around the time that Dune is taking off and Frank is finally achieving success, fame, and material rewards for his years of tireless, hard work. You can see the depth of love between Frank and Beverly as he makes sacrifices after sacrifices to help heal her and then to keep her alive. She was his “white witch” and even made a plan for him to get him through his grief after she was gone. Frank followed that plan to the letter, even remarried to a 27 year old, and showed strength, joy, and adventurous spirit but dies almost 2 years to the day after Beverly (1 year after her beautiful ceremony of life in Hana, Hawaii). As a Dune fan, I am glad that I persevered and read this book to its emotional conclusion. I gained a greater understanding of the Dune series but also learned more about the woman behind the man. Frank and Beverly were two perfectly matched creative souls who only together could create an universe as captivating and insightful as Dune.
Frank:
Born: Oct 8, 1920
Died: Feb 11, 1986
Beverly:
Born: Oct 20, 1926
Died: Feb 7, 1984
dieseife's review
3.0
3.5/5 - 'Dreamer of Dune' offers fascinating insights into the life and personality of Frank Herbert, yet it also left me feeling conflicted as the book has some significant issues.
Despite being called „The Biography of Frank Herbert“, in reality, Brian Herbert irritatingly made this book just as much about himself, seemingly with the intention of showcasing himself as his father's ideal successor in continuing the Dune universe. (In retrospect, looking at the cover art, I realized that both „Frank Herbert“ and „Brian Herbert“ are the exact same font size, which could have given me a hidden clue.)
Another significant problem with the book is the way Brian Herbert repeatedly discusses his brother Bruce Herbert's homosexuality in a regressive, unsympathetic, and frankly appalling manner. It is difficult to believe that such attitudes still persist in books published in the 21st century.
Even setting aside these issues, this book would have greatly benefited from a more aggressive editor making some necessary revisions, as the writing delves into self-indulgent diary-like territory at times.
Despite my reservations, 'Dreamer of Dune' is worth reading for those interested in a glimpse into Frank Herbert’s life, considering the lack of alternatives. However, the book's shortcomings and its regressive treatment of certain subjects should not be overlooked.
Despite being called „The Biography of Frank Herbert“, in reality, Brian Herbert irritatingly made this book just as much about himself, seemingly with the intention of showcasing himself as his father's ideal successor in continuing the Dune universe. (In retrospect, looking at the cover art, I realized that both „Frank Herbert“ and „Brian Herbert“ are the exact same font size, which could have given me a hidden clue.)
Another significant problem with the book is the way Brian Herbert repeatedly discusses his brother Bruce Herbert's homosexuality in a regressive, unsympathetic, and frankly appalling manner. It is difficult to believe that such attitudes still persist in books published in the 21st century.
Even setting aside these issues, this book would have greatly benefited from a more aggressive editor making some necessary revisions, as the writing delves into self-indulgent diary-like territory at times.
Despite my reservations, 'Dreamer of Dune' is worth reading for those interested in a glimpse into Frank Herbert’s life, considering the lack of alternatives. However, the book's shortcomings and its regressive treatment of certain subjects should not be overlooked.
erichart's review
3.0
A sincere, heartfelt portrayal of the author of Dune by his son, this biography would have rated four or maybe even five stars if not for some writing/editing problems.
Brian Herbert gives a candid account of his difficult but ultimately loving relationship with his father. Brian does not avoid issues such as Frank's difficult temperament with his children, or his rejection of his gay son Bruce. The creation of the Dune series is given great attention.
The book, however, lacks tighter editing. Some anecdotes are unnecessary and often give the narrative a fragmented feeling. Brian reintroduces people over and over again, and retells episodes he's already explained. I would also have liked to know more about the aftermath of Frank's passing away - what became of Bruce, for instance. And just how extensive were the notes left by Frank and developed by Brian with Kevin Anderson Jr for the first sequels they wrote to Frank's series.
But at the heart of this biography, the loving relationship between Frank and Beverly Herbert shines through, and makes this a compelling read.
Brian Herbert gives a candid account of his difficult but ultimately loving relationship with his father. Brian does not avoid issues such as Frank's difficult temperament with his children, or his rejection of his gay son Bruce. The creation of the Dune series is given great attention.
The book, however, lacks tighter editing. Some anecdotes are unnecessary and often give the narrative a fragmented feeling. Brian reintroduces people over and over again, and retells episodes he's already explained. I would also have liked to know more about the aftermath of Frank's passing away - what became of Bruce, for instance. And just how extensive were the notes left by Frank and developed by Brian with Kevin Anderson Jr for the first sequels they wrote to Frank's series.
But at the heart of this biography, the loving relationship between Frank and Beverly Herbert shines through, and makes this a compelling read.
jeffhall's review against another edition
4.0
While Dreamer of Dune is certainly an imperfect biography, it nonetheless makes for a compelling read for any fan of Frank Herbert's writing. Weighing in at over 500 pages with a fair amount of repetition (and some blatantly incorrect factual statements), this book could definitely have used more critical editing prior to publication. There must be at least 50 pages of small incidents that don't contribute to the overall narrative, and could easily have been trimmed from this bulky work.
In spite of those shortcomings, Brian Herbert manages to deliver a heartfelt family biography, for in truth this book is as much about Brian and Beverly Herbert (Frank's second wife) as it is about the "Dreamer of Dune". If the reader is willing to accept the book on those terms, it is a fast read, full of strongly felt emotions and the author's attempt to understand his mercurial father. That very quest makes Dreamer of Dune more interesting than a standard biography written by an outside party, and if the intimacy of the content is sometimes overwrought, it is nonetheless genuinely expressed and highly readable.
In spite of those shortcomings, Brian Herbert manages to deliver a heartfelt family biography, for in truth this book is as much about Brian and Beverly Herbert (Frank's second wife) as it is about the "Dreamer of Dune". If the reader is willing to accept the book on those terms, it is a fast read, full of strongly felt emotions and the author's attempt to understand his mercurial father. That very quest makes Dreamer of Dune more interesting than a standard biography written by an outside party, and if the intimacy of the content is sometimes overwrought, it is nonetheless genuinely expressed and highly readable.
vintonole's review against another edition
3.0
The fascinating story of the life of one of my favorite authors. The writing is at times amateurish and in need of editing, but at other times beautiful and poignant. Despite this complaint, I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Frank Herbert.
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