Review: Dune by Frank Herbert


Dune by Frank Herbert is a Science Fiction classic published in 1965. Usually, I'm not a big fan of this genre, War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells is one of the few sci-fi novels I've really enjoyed thus far. That's why this book surprised me so much.

The novel mainly follows Paul Atreides, the son of Duke Leto Atreides. The story begins with Leto being granted the fiefdom over Arrakis, the desert planet famous for its production of the spice drug. This drug grants a small amount of the ability to look ahead in time and is extremely valuable. The Duke is aware that his being sent to Arrakis is a plot to destroy him, as he has long been entangled in a vendetta with his relation, the Baron Harkonnen. The Duke is also aware that the Emperor is somewhat concerned in this trap, but he nonetheless attempts to settle on Arrakis and dreams of setting up relations with the locals, the Fremen. Paul is fifteen at the story's beginning and we basically follow his journey through the intergalactic war that is gathering and drawing to a close on Arrakis.

This is the basic outline of the plot, but there is so much more in this novel. Herbert's world building is really fantastic, there are many unknown mysteries that are slowly being revealed to the reader and Dune (Arrakis) is a fascinating setting. It may be a bit hard to get into this sci-fi world, but there were helpful indices in my copy (the Penguin Galaxy edition), and the reader learns everything he needs to know as the story progresses. It was fascinating and refreshing when the plot shifted to the Fremen's habitations and a very different way of living was explored, away from royal courts and out in the desert.

The characters and their developments in Dune are also brilliant, this is probably the part I enjoyed most. The story generally follows Paul as a protagonist, but we also get the thoughts of most of the other characters. Thus one gets such a deep insight into the plot and what motivates each character. Especially Paul's mother Jessica, the Duke Leto and Dr. Yueh are highly individualised and fleshed out through the omniscient narration. The antagonists, such as the Baron Harkonnen and his minions do appear as rather simplified evil figures this way, though, as their thoughts are very black and white. This is the only flaw I could really mention, however, as the other characters are very far from being so simple. Even the ones that are clearly made out as heroes, as Paul and Jessica, are rather grey and far from perfect. This way, the narrative explores some highly interesting themes as well.

Amongst these are human relations and what happens when different cultures clash. Paul and Jessica having to join the Fremen shows what difficulties may arise and how these can be overcome, that acceptance of differences and cooperation are actually possible. The reader is also confronted with how the values of different cultures may differ, seen in the Fremen's need for water and how the Atreides faction has been used to that necessity falling from the sky and running in rivers. Thus the story was not only gripping in itself, but also had me thinking and considering the character's actions and developments all the time. It was hard to put the book down because of this, as the writing really made the story come alive and stick with me. This was also helped by the short passages on the prophet Paul over each chapter. They emphasised that the story is meant to witness the making of a myth and a religion, which gave it so much more momentum and weight.


So I can only conclude by saying that I highly enjoyed this book. I was completely surprised and blown away by how will it was written and how fascinating the plot was in itself. The brilliant character development kept me hooked until the end and even made me sad to finish the book and leave the story. I think this would be a good starting point for readers who enjoy fantasy and want to get into sci-fi, as there is a little of both genres in there, such as the magical aspects of the Bene Geressit for example. 


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