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A review by librarycowboy
Dune by Frank Herbert
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I found this book really enjoyable and immersive! I prefer novels with lots of politics, world-building, and character focused narratives; Dune brought all of these elements to the table.
While the book is slow paced and challenging--with lots of new words, minimal action scenes, and a whooping 800+ pages--I actually found myself flying through it at a pace I haven't seen since my youth. I particularly appreciated the omniscient 3rd person narration style, which didn't switch through points of view (something that i personally find to drag on and get boring), but rather included random thoughts and feelings from different characters within the same chapters, without pausing or intruding on the progression of the plot. However, I can see that this may be confusing or intrusive for some readers as thoughts may come from completely different characters without break on the same page.
Additionally, Dune did not have many action scenes. While the book focused on the beginnings of a revolution, actual battles were glossed over in favour of build ups and aftermaths. Considering the fact that this book isn't "hard scifi"--it doesn't go into detail over the science and technicalities of the world--the lack of in-the-moment battle tactics seemed fitting. I personally enjoy the mind games that come before the outright violence (though this book does include the violence) but readers looking for adventurous reads might be thrown for a loop.
In conclusion, if you enjoy world building, political drama, societal consequences, mind games, and amazing settings, this book may be for you.
While the book is slow paced and challenging--with lots of new words, minimal action scenes, and a whooping 800+ pages--I actually found myself flying through it at a pace I haven't seen since my youth. I particularly appreciated the omniscient 3rd person narration style, which didn't switch through points of view (something that i personally find to drag on and get boring), but rather included random thoughts and feelings from different characters within the same chapters, without pausing or intruding on the progression of the plot. However, I can see that this may be confusing or intrusive for some readers as thoughts may come from completely different characters without break on the same page.
Additionally, Dune did not have many action scenes. While the book focused on the beginnings of a revolution, actual battles were glossed over in favour of build ups and aftermaths. Considering the fact that this book isn't "hard scifi"--it doesn't go into detail over the science and technicalities of the world--the lack of in-the-moment battle tactics seemed fitting. I personally enjoy the mind games that come before the outright violence (though this book does include the violence) but readers looking for adventurous reads might be thrown for a loop.
In conclusion, if you enjoy world building, political drama, societal consequences, mind games, and amazing settings, this book may be for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide and Murder
Moderate: Addiction