Scan barcode
A review by starryeyedenigma
Dune by Frank Herbert
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I think with all the Classics that I've been reading lately, with the exception of Aldous Huxley, Ray Bradbury or Kurt Vonnegut, I find that the writing style is quite verbose and hard to follow. However, with all the Classics, once you've made the effort to read through the tome, you find that you have experienced something valuable. As a reader, you feel the depth and the immense vision all these writers had. How progressive they were, even during their time.
It is difficult to read J.R.R Tolkein, Frank Herbert, Jane Austen, Leo Tolstoy. But oh my gosh, all the unabridged classics Ive read so far, have felt so good once I finish them.
Dune is the first book in the 5 part epic sci-fi series written by Frank Herbert first published in 1965. I bought this beautiful edition of the book and read it to be on time for the second movie adaptation that starring Timothee Chalamet.
The book is 600 pages long, and this edition has a foreword by his son and lots of Appendices.
So, here are my thoughts on Dune, the first book:
1. The plot is expected. In fact, right at the beginning you know what is going to happen in the end. The rest of the story is about the journey and the world building and introducing the readers to the world of Dune and how Muad'dib comes to power.
2. The world building though, of my gosh. I cant imagine the vision of Frank Herbert, and how he thought of such a rich world in 1965. He has covered it all so deftly in the first book itself - the ecology of Dune, the philosophy and religions, the trade and commerce of Arrakis along with other planets that form a part of the Guild (us Earthlings are a part of that too..heheh), of the political structure, I mean, I was simply mindblown by the world building :)
3. Now coming to the characters - I think for me, this is where the first book fell very short of my expectations as a reader. I've read some very good fiction and for me, the depth of a character and their character arc is very important to feel something for a story. To remember it. However, except for Lady Jessica, Stilgar, and the cruel Baron, I found most of the other cast unimpressive and almost flat. The worst disappointment was the main protagonist - Paul Muad'dib. I couldn't feel anything for him throughout the book. He felt cold like the night dessert and completely devoid of any emotions. I couldn't understand any of his feelings and to me, he felt even more cruel and calculating than the evil Baron. I hope they do a better job in the movie. Maybe the latter books do justice to his character, but I don't know if I;ll be reading the other books in the series.
4. There is zero romance in the book and the depiction of women and their role is close to none or mostly as negative or inconsequential roles. Probably expected from the patriarchal society and mindset of that time. Chani is shown as Paul's soulmate, but oh gosh, their relationship feels stripped down to 'the mother of my first born'..gahhhh. And Lady Jessica, although powerful, kind and intelligent is shown in quiet a negative light throughout the book - as a conniving witch.
I'm not sure if Ill be reading the rest of the books in the series. It seems like a huge commitment. Maybe one book a year..:)
It is difficult to read J.R.R Tolkein, Frank Herbert, Jane Austen, Leo Tolstoy. But oh my gosh, all the unabridged classics Ive read so far, have felt so good once I finish them.
Dune is the first book in the 5 part epic sci-fi series written by Frank Herbert first published in 1965. I bought this beautiful edition of the book and read it to be on time for the second movie adaptation that starring Timothee Chalamet.
The book is 600 pages long, and this edition has a foreword by his son and lots of Appendices.
So, here are my thoughts on Dune, the first book:
1. The plot is expected. In fact, right at the beginning you know what is going to happen in the end. The rest of the story is about the journey and the world building and introducing the readers to the world of Dune and how Muad'dib comes to power.
2. The world building though, of my gosh. I cant imagine the vision of Frank Herbert, and how he thought of such a rich world in 1965. He has covered it all so deftly in the first book itself - the ecology of Dune, the philosophy and religions, the trade and commerce of Arrakis along with other planets that form a part of the Guild (us Earthlings are a part of that too..heheh), of the political structure, I mean, I was simply mindblown by the world building :)
3. Now coming to the characters - I think for me, this is where the first book fell very short of my expectations as a reader. I've read some very good fiction and for me, the depth of a character and their character arc is very important to feel something for a story. To remember it. However, except for Lady Jessica, Stilgar, and the cruel Baron, I found most of the other cast unimpressive and almost flat. The worst disappointment was the main protagonist - Paul Muad'dib. I couldn't feel anything for him throughout the book. He felt cold like the night dessert and completely devoid of any emotions. I couldn't understand any of his feelings and to me, he felt even more cruel and calculating than the evil Baron. I hope they do a better job in the movie. Maybe the latter books do justice to his character, but I don't know if I;ll be reading the other books in the series.
4. There is zero romance in the book and the depiction of women and their role is close to none or mostly as negative or inconsequential roles. Probably expected from the patriarchal society and mindset of that time. Chani is shown as Paul's soulmate, but oh gosh, their relationship feels stripped down to 'the mother of my first born'..gahhhh. And Lady Jessica, although powerful, kind and intelligent is shown in quiet a negative light throughout the book - as a conniving witch.
I'm not sure if Ill be reading the rest of the books in the series. It seems like a huge commitment. Maybe one book a year..:)