Dune by Frank Herbert

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Submitted by Jay Cooke 
(Aug 01, 2003)

Frank Herbert doesn't tell us the epic of Dune, he shows us. No science-fiction author has shown us so vividly his characters and landscapes, or let us into the complexity of thoughts behind conversation. The embodiment of science-fiction in every dimension, Herbert's villans are the most despised (the baron), and the heros (Paul Atreides, Jessica)the most distinguished, in a universe that lets our imagination have a field day and detail that's so real it's uncanny.

The first time I read Frank Herbert's Dune, I was impressed. It was clearly the story of humanity's struggle as it has existed for millenia. But now, as we have entered a new century and indeed a new millenium, I see this differently. If you are looking for a good versus evil story with some imagination and a little depth, this is a fun read. If, however, you are looking for insightful direction in how we might alter ourselves and be rid of this quest by resolution, I would not recommend this story. It lacks any true imagination. There is no twist or even a direction out of the predicament. In the end we are left with no clear way out of the mess people have found themselves in for ages. Temptation soon becomes the oppressor.

Being an avid science fiction reader I have read many books in the genre, yet none rival Dune. The way that Herbert creates this world around you, so complex, yet through his writing so easy to understand and be enveloped by. The combination society made up of Medeval Europe/Advanced Technology is intricatly woven into the book so that the reader is easily submerged in the political battles, deception and trickery. One of the best books I have ever read. Whether you are a sci/fi fan or not you should read Dune.

Dune was one of the best books that I have read. Herbert brings to life the novel incorporating politics and religion with mystifying new lands and ways of life. Herbert paid attention to every detail making Arrakis seem so real. The use of made-up words for objects, people, and beliefs on Arrakis and Caladan really help to make the novel believable. At first, it seems a little annoying to have to flip to the back of the section on terminology, but once I learned what the words were it brought a new level of understanding and belief to the novel. Also, the characters are all developed wonderfully with each being truly unique. Each character had his or her own hardships and struggles, which permitted the reader to learn more about the characters' strengths and weaknesses.

I'm normally not that interested in the world of science-fiction literature, but I found it hard to put this book down. Herbert manages to throw in curve balls and reach a higher point of anticipation/climax just when I thought things were about to settle down.

Dune stands firm as one of my favorite pieces of science fiction. Herbert takes the time to detail this complex universe for us, which will house a plot just as complex. Some people, I know, have issues with political science fiction. I can see how this facet of the genre can seem boring at times due to the seeming lack of "action." But, at least from my own standpoint, I beg to differ with this book. Herbert is an author who can pull the reader inside the political scene, behind the curtains, to a place full of intrigue, motives, suspense, tensions, plans within plans within plans.... It's exciting! And, to be fair, I understand this doesn't send some people. However, one thing about Dune is how much more it holds. The scenery of the novel is potent, for one. The reader is assaulted with this desert world that would hang on the limits of our imagination if Herbert didn't cultivate it to the point where we are there with the Fremen looking around. And, the characters are another thing to enjoy about this book. Herbert takes the time to develop a wide array of important characters in the book. There are many main characters, which is sometimes hard to deal with in reading a book, but each has its own well-carved niche within the story, and all of them together propel this story forward in a rich tapestry of human emotions, desires, motives, and actions. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy science fiction. And to those who don't, I'd say try a go at this one and see what you think.