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Sci-fi classic that is just as relevant today
-
Jul 2, 2010
- by wendyre
- posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More
Rating:
A tale of humanity 20,000 years in the future, Dune beautifully recounts the tale of a single human being and an empire spanning the entire galaxy. At this point most are familiar with the plot- Paul Atreides son of a Duke has his whole life uprooted to a desert planet where he is forced into exile. He finds a home with the vast desert community of Fremen and eventually exacts revenge on his father's murderer and starts a new religion whose jihad takes the galaxy by storm. But the astounding thing about this novel, written decades ago, is how relevant it still seems today. Herbert deals with war, technology, environmental destruction and human relationships in such a fundamental and moving way that it feels like Dune will always be relevant. Through Paul we are introduced to the galaxy of the distant future, which seems attainable yet so tenuous. Dune has amazing technology and epic battles, but the heart of the story is Paul's survival in the desert, and how he falls in love and tries to avoid getting blood on his hands. He ends up emperor of the galaxy, but it is his journey and his utter humanity that anchor this story, and make it so timeless. Dune transcends the genre of science fiction and is a must read for any fan of great literature.
+5
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I like the direction Frank Herbert took the Dune series in his first two sequels. This book has a bit more development than the original Dune. We get to learn more about the inner turmoil of Paul, Alia, and then meet the kids. Frank has a way of creating politically exciting twists and power struggles, without making any one character the villain. Paul and Alia in their own ways are both despots and victims. In terms of storyline, I think this brings the story to a satisfying conclusion (I'm not … more
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Compliments (12)
Science fiction by setting and technology, yet presenting ever so actual themes for humankind (politics, fight for power, war, love, learning and adapting, etc.), this book fascinated me because of many reasons, yet one idea really stayed with me a long time, changing my perception on world: how would it be to live on a desert planet? I started to look differently at the wonderful gift of vegetation and water, at the trees, lakes and rivers, maybe even with more gratitude and being more careful … more
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By far a most interesting and dramatic world. The people are fascinating and rarities. The religious overtones and zealous fervor makes me read this and all the Dune books with lusty speed. Bene Geserits are the ultimate witches with pizaz.
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Exhaustion was the first reaction to having read this book. Then came excitement that I had been introduced to a totally new universe. Set on a desert planet -- which could possibly be earth? -- the characters are all about power and either ignoring or abiding by the rules. The thirst for dominion is rampant and little is taboo so long as you see yourself as the exception. The movie was such an extravaganza, but just as tedious in details. … more
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Compliments (5)
A brilliantly crafted universe is hidden in these pages.
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Quick Tip by StAlia.
July 13, 2010
I have to give this book a 5 because I was named after one of the characters. And also...come on...great sci-fi!!! "I am I because I am here."
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I can't say I've ever been a science fiction nut, but I truly enjoyed this book and it made me interested in possibly reading other science fiction.
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A must read for all true sci fi fans, and fans of the movie, although I found it hard to get started
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I recently reread Dune when the 40th anniversary unabridged version came out. Once again I was floored by the shear scope of Frank Herbert’s beginning of the masterpiece series of Science fiction. Herbert began this EPIC undertaking in an age where Science fiction writer’s generally did not produce such massive tomes, much less a series of them in the same world. Needless to say, this Anniversary edition pleases just as much as the original did, and helps fill in some … more
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Science fiction classic. The geology of the planet Dune actually makes sense as well, as Herbert put in a LOT of research to ensure it's not too 'made up'
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About the reviewer
Wendy (wendyre)
Member Since:
Jul 2, 2010
Last Login: Aug 17, 2010 05:16 AM UTC
Last Login: Aug 17, 2010 05:16 AM UTC
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About this book
Dune is set far in humanity's future. Within those years, Earth has been destroyed, a Jihad has taken place to free humanity from the 'thinking machines' that threatened to overwhelm the human race, and mankind has scattered throughout space. This Universe is a feudal empire ruled by the Padishah Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV of House Corrino. The novel focuses on a rivalry between two feudal houses - House Atreides and House Harkonnen.
Dune is the first of six novels written by Frank Herbert set in this universe:
Frank Herbert died in 1986. His son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson have written several more novels set in the Dune universe..
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Dune is the first of six novels written by Frank Herbert set in this universe:
- Dune (1965)
- Dune Messiah (1969)
- Children of Dune (1976)
- God Emperor of Dune (1981)
- Heretics of Dune (1984)
- Chapterhouse Dune (1985)
Frank Herbert died in 1986. His son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson have written several more novels set in the Dune universe..
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