Book Review: Dune

Title: Dune
Author: Frank Herbert
Pages: 544
Rating: 4 Stars

I first read Dune half a lifetime ago (I was 15, I think). I don't remember what I thought of it then, though I don't remember hating it. Before I'd read it, I'd seen David Lynch's 1983 movie both in theatrical and extended director's cut format. Concurrently I'd also played Dune 2, a landmark computer game that basically kicked off the modern real-time strategy genre. Why's that interesting to you? I'm not sure that it is, but it's interesting to me. The movie is not a thing I like, and yet it, combined withe the computer game, had replaced most of my opinions on Frank Herbert's novel. The only thing I retained after all these years was a general idea that I thought the book to be of somewhat better quality than the movie.

Anyway, all useless reminiscing aside, I saw the movie on TV the other day and reconfirmed my impressions that I think it's bad. It also managed to reawaken some trapped Dune particle in my system that planted itself in my brain and grew like a cancer until I decided to re-read the book. As it happens, I rather enjoyed it. I'm less concerned with avoiding spoilers in this review as I think most of my "audience" are going to be familiar with the rough details. The story involves a galactic imperium which depends on a "spice" called melange for all manner of rituals and technologies. This spice comes from only one source, a fully arid world named Arrakis, but called Dune in the vernacular. The plot in the book involves an intrigue between the Emperor and two major noble houses (Harkonnen and Atreides) designed to bring the downfall of Atreides. 

The plot is good, and the characters marginally engaging, but the real appeal of this book is Frank Herbert's fully realized setting. So well realized is this universe, I find myself interested in reading some of the "sources" Herbert constructed to introduce his chapters. Sometimes you'll see Dune referred to as something of a Lord of the Rings of Sci-Fi, and I can see why. Herbert has constructed an interesting and intricate universe in which he goes to great efforts to explore the philosophical implications of things like war and religion across his setting. In fact, I'd say it's arguable if Dune is even "science fiction," as opposed to fantasy. Certainly there is some technology in the story, but Herbert seems intent on using his setting to explore the extremes of humanity rather than the extremes of technology. It is based on the strength of the setting and Herbert's exploration of things philosophical I'm giving Dune 4 stars. While the writing is serviceable, it's not excellent, and most of the characters are a means to an end rather than any sort of dynamic and interesting force. 

Special note: Man, that movie sucks. Please don't watch it, and please read this instead. It's a great tragedy that most people will have created their impressions of Dune from that movie. Most of the changes the filmmaker made to the story and universe seem unnecessary. I kind of have to wonder if David Lynch actually read the material. I've never seen the Syfy channel miniseries, so I can't say if it's any good.

(4 stars)