Review Two: 'Dune' by Frank Herbert.

Second book up for review in 2016 is Frank Herbert's science fiction epic 'Dune'. The better half bought me this book as a sort of post-Christmas surprise. She spotted me agonizing over which of three possible books I was going to buy myself before the holidays. As it turns out, 'Dune' quickly overshadowed my purchase of 'Gardens of the Moon' as I found it instantaneously more interesting. I was so impressed by this book, the world it builds and the universe that it hints at, that I'm not even sure where to start this review, but lets give it a go. 

This is the cover of the version that I got my hands on. It's a lovely soft cover book.
 (I'm not a huge fan of hardbacks. Shocking , I know)
It does put an emphasis on the Makers that, in my opinion, isn't carried out through the text. 

So, as I already said, the universe of 'Dune' is massive, or at least it appears that way. Herbert manages to give the reader a sense of scale and history that is very, very impressive. In saying that, the book does not give an inch when it comes to its portrayal of the world Herbert builds. From page one, the reader is thrown in to a world that is not explained or simplified for the reader. There is not neat opening or tidy introduction to ease us into the quick pace of events on Arrakis. In that sense, 'Dune' is unforgiving, perhaps intimidating for many readers. Terms, events, histories, groups and motivations are all thrown at the reader with no effort made to explain or situate them. In my opinion, this only helps 'Dune' reach for epic status. We get the feeling that we are merely glimpsing a singular aspect of a larger construct. 

So, what is it all about?   (Spoilers... maybe)

'Dune' is a science fiction tale, with a handful of fantasy elements thrown into the mix. Sure, there are the futuristic gadgets and the body shields and what have you. However, standing alongside this futuristic equipment are canons, and swords and fearsome warriors that we might more expect in a fantasy epic. The reasoning for this mix of elements is hinted at throughout the book (Perhaps a past war led to a ban on the use of specific weapons in combat etc). This book is a very enjoyable experience, despite it being a bit dense at times. Undoubtedly, the fact that we are thrown in at the deep end from the outset can make progress slow and require some re-reading, but once the reader finds their feet and becomes more accustomed to the flow of the text, they can happily get through this book in a couple of days. I'll admit that there were times when I skipped over certain parts, if it got too dense in regards to an explanation of equipment or an ecological process, or, as I do with Tolkien's work, if one of the characters starting singing a song or some other nonsense (Harsh, I know). Just get to the good stuff!!

One thing I will mention that caused me to pause was the paedophile tendencies of one of the characters. I mention this because it seemed to serve no other purpose than to turn us against the character, who we were already opposed to, based on their actions. It popped up maybe three or four times throughout the book, and threw me off. Had it evolved and been a plot point somewhere down the line, I might have rolled with it, but as it just appeared and then disappeared, it didn't seem to have a place or make sense. 

Another minor annoyance was the inclusion of the classic 'Two Years Later...' routine. Now, I have no problem with using it as a device to push the story along and allow the characters to evolve, however, we get hints of some events that happened in that time gap that don't match the character we knew, nor the character we are presented with after that gap period. There is a violence there that isn't replicated again. Perhaps it was supposed to be a nod towards the myth status enjoyed by the protagonist, where minor and innocent actions get distorted by the wider tribe. There is certainly references to that type of occurrence, so maybe that is what Herbert intended. 

Final thoughts: 

'Dune' is a book that I most certainly recommend. It gripped me with its scale and dragged me away from my other reading projects. It is definitely one for any fan of sci-fi to read, but I would go so far as to say that it is a book that everybody should read. As I've said, some of the plot doesn't really get developed in a satisfying way, Hawat being an example, but the main story more than makes up for that fact. One thing I will say is that you shouldn't read this book with the idea that the Worms are prevalent or of huge significance. While they did remind me of my childhood days watching Tremors they did very little for the plot, bar being a tool for world building. All in all, 'Dune' deserves its epic status and the recognition that it gets as a must-read science fiction book.

'Dune' deserves a 5/5. A hugely enjoyable book, with enough meat on the bone to keep the majority of readers happy. 

Next time:

Right now I have a number of books on my desk, not to mention one or two being sent to me for review before release. At present, I'm planning on reading a slightly shorter story, after the last two big undertakings. Perhaps this time next week I shall be writing a review for Stephen King's 'The Gunslinger', book one of The Dark Tower. 

K.D out.