For as many new releases as I read each year, I always make a point to read a few classics as well. Dune Frank Herbert's science fiction masterpiece has been one of those "I'll get to it one of these days" books on my shelf for well over a decade. If I'm being honest, I think I was just intimidated by it. The book is lengthy and not really in a genre that I normally gravitate toward. I've started the novel several times, become overwhelmed by the sheer scope and amount of characters, and quickly moved on to something more my speed. Determined to see this challenge though, I'm happy to report that I've finally managed to tackle Dune.
The novel centers around the boy Paul Atreides. In terms of pedigree, the child comes from a background that almost predetermined his destiny. He is a chosen one of sorts, and the novel opens with him facing a test of his worthiness, a challenge to prove his status. This opening scene sets the tone for the journey to come and foreshadows the larger obstacles that young Paul will soon face as those less worthy than him attempt to cheat and betray their way to his place. Along the way, Paul too will question his place of privilege within the vast world.
Paul's place in this world stems from the power of his parents. His father leads a group on a desert planet that is rich in spice, a mystical almost drug-like resource that brings wealth and influence to those who control it. Naturally, everyone else is eager to take control of this valuable resource. They see Paul as a potential vulnerability to the rule of the family and will stop at nothing to take advantage of this perceived weakness.
When reviewing a book like this one, I think it is important to first view it within the context of the time it was published in. Dune was first released in 1965, and Herbert's novel was clearly influential to the science fiction genre as a whole. It is clear to see this influence in the popular novels and films that followed this work. The sheer scope of the world, characters, and politics is quite remarkable. That being said, I just didn't enjoy reading it. In fact, I found many of the same elements that many praise the novel for to be the main detriments. While the world of Dune is sprawling, the novel spends so much time building this world that not much actually happens. I kept waiting for a turning point, but this story never really arrived anywhere. To be fair, this is only the first book in a series. After hours spent reading this one hoping for something more, I have little motivation to pick up another.
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(2021, 11)
I always take when the book was written into consideration when I read it. I believe it's important to consider the state of the world when it was written. I have not read much adult scifi (some Bradbury and Orwell in my school days), but remember thinking how impressive the books were considering how long ago they were written.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. The context of the time it was written really can help understand the importance of a work.
DeleteI have neither read the book nor seen the movie but I know it's been very influential. This is the first time I've seen someone not enjoy it but since I already have trouble with fantasy/sci-fi because of the emphasis on sprawling worlds - this probably isn't for me.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
I wish I could say it was just a genre issue for me, but I'm afraid it was more about pacing overall.
DeleteThe length of this one has always discouraged me from reading it, especially knowing it's only the first book in a series. And your review has not changed my mined. ;D
ReplyDeleteThe first book alone was such a huge undertaking. I don't think you're missing out on much!
DeleteIloved Dune when I first read it, but that was aaaaages ago
ReplyDeleteYou're not the first person who has told me they enjoyed it. There's a reason it is a classic! I guess it just wasn't for me.
DeleteI've never read this one.
ReplyDeleteI can't say that I recommend it haha
DeleteI find this series intimidating too -- I have seent he trailers for the new movie, and honestly I'm not even inclined to watch the new movie either.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on that one. I'm very hesitant to watch the movie, especially after not really enjoying the book!
DeleteGood to know. Although I can't say I really have ever had a great desire to read DUNE (not a big sci-fi fan, too long, too intimidating, etc.), it's one I feel like I SHOULD read, you know? After reading your review, I'm happy to just keep skipping it :)
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean. I think I felt the need to read it just based on it being a classic. There are so many others to get to that I think you'd be okay in skipping this one.
DeleteThis is such a classic sci-fi but even so I have never felt led to pick it up. Sci-fi is just not my genre. I think you'd have to be truly committed to delve into this serious. That's an awful lot of build-up without much pay-off in the first book.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I'm usually hesitant to read the genre as is, but this one will probably keep me away from it for a while.
DeleteI love sci-fi but I’ve constantly put off reading this one, I’m not sure if it will be my cup of tea!
ReplyDeleteThere's definitely much better sci-fi out there...
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