‘Dune’ by Frank Herbert
First off, I think it’s fair to say that this review has been a long time coming – I’ve been reading this book for absolutely ages, which is unfair on the book to say the least.
I have not been a long time reading it because it’s a long book, nor because it’s a dull read – far from it. More, I’ve been a long time reading it because I couldn’t bring myself to leave it mid-chapter if I got sleepy / had to get up and move somewhere else and such matters. That’s still no excuse for it taking as long as it has.
And this little ditty will by no means lean the weight deserved on this book.
It is, simply, superb.
Herbert’s writing is immensely deep, intricate, and well thought out. The scenes described come to life and capture the imagination like almost no other book can (the last example I can think of that caught me like this is when I first read Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ when I was about 12). Every aspect of it comes alive in your mind and immerses you in the storyline, from the green-garden-esque scenes in the Atreides’ household when they first arrive on Dune to the sandy wastelands interspersed with rocky outcrops of the southern regions, it all grips you and comes to life in the process. You can feel and hear the sand whip across your feet, envision the hordes stepping in their intentional non-rhythmic way across the sands, and feel the tips of the blades when they come close. It’s really super, super stuff.
When people use the term ‘Science Fiction’ I’m sure a lot of folks first thoughts (like mine used to a good few years ago) turn to the idea of space travel, lasers, and Death Stars. The reality is, ‘Dune’ is what Science Fiction is all about, in my honest opinion.
It’s about providing the reader with enough ‘reality’ that they can see and feel it, hear and smell it, whilst at the same time allowing the story to include things that are just that bit beyond reality – comprehendible but distant, realistic but strange.
Whether you are a ‘Sci-Fi’ fan or not, I would reccommend everyone reads this book at least once.
I will certainly read again, and desperately seek out the sequels.
