Dune
by Frank Herbert
Author's Description:
"The Duke of Atreides has been manoeuvred by his arch-enemy, Baron Harkonnen, into administering the desert planet of Dune. Although it is almost completely without water, Dune is a planet of fabulous wealth, for it is the only source of a drug prized throughout the Galactic Empire. The Duke and his son, Paul, are expecting treachery, and it duly comes - but from a shockingly unexpected place.
Then Paul succeeds his father, and he becomes a catalyst for the native people of Dune, whose knowledge of the ecology of the planet gives them vast power. They have been waiting for a leader like Paul Atreides, a leader who can harness that force ...
DUNE: one of the most brilliant science fiction novels ever written, as engrossing and heart-rending today as it was when it was first published half a century ago."
Then Paul succeeds his father, and he becomes a catalyst for the native people of Dune, whose knowledge of the ecology of the planet gives them vast power. They have been waiting for a leader like Paul Atreides, a leader who can harness that force ...
DUNE: one of the most brilliant science fiction novels ever written, as engrossing and heart-rending today as it was when it was first published half a century ago."
My Review - Rating - 9/10
I’ve put off writing a review for Dune for almost a week after reading it, and even now, I don’t really know where to begin or where to end. Dune is one of the best sci-fi fantasy books I’ve ever read, and becomes even more impressive when it’s age (published over fifty-five years ago!) is considered. There is an incredible amount to praise about this book, and some important areas to criticize, but I think it best to start at the beginning, for both the reader and the story.
The book starts with Herbert immediately throwing the reader into the action - we are introduced to the narrator, most of the main characters, the conflict, an incredible amount of lore, and the antagonist all within the first thirty pages. Most first-time readers, myself included, are intimidated by the torrent of information thrown at you in the beginning. I personally re-read the first chapter twice before moving on to the second, just to make sure I understood everything. I wouldn’t count the intensity of the beginning against Herbert, looking back after completing the book. It works on a number of levels - as a reader, you need to be fully engaged to understand what’s going on, and (slight spoiler for the first chapter, but if you’re on the fence about the book, read on) by throwing the reader into a chaotic book, when you are scrambling to get all the necessary information and keep moving, the author complements the chaotic scene occurring in the book. The protagonist is in an even more chaotic situation than the reader, meeting with the Reverend Mother just as his family is preparing to leave Arrakis, his father trying to outmaneuver his enemies and survive his assignment to a hostile planet, and forces unknown to both Paul and the reader manipulating the situation, their influence felt but identities and motives unknown.
The pace of the book slows down from there, with Paul and his family moving to the new planet and getting accustomed to it along with the reader - the author either explains important cultural, economic, and political aspects of Arrakis to Paul through another character, and thereby giving the reader the same information, or gives enough context around unknown information to make it clear. The buildup stage of Dune is slow and meticulous, but none of the information is unnecessary and Herbert keeps the reader’s attention as he acclimates them to the world of Arrakis, it’s people, religion, and culture, and the schemes surrounding it. This is what will either make or break the book for most readers; those who are interested in the world, it’s lore, and the general development of the story will happily continue reading, since new information is constantly added, even if it’s not directly relevant to the (main) plot. Readers who find the slower pace boring and the information unrewarding or uninteresting will probably put the book down by page 300.
I kept reading, however, and I loved it. For me, the reason Dune is an incredibly interesting story despite its age is because of it’s worldbuilding. Herbert does an excellent job of showing the strategic importance of Spice, its importance to the Fremen and also its importance in the wider galaxy. The conflict over spice was one of the two most interesting areas in the novel to me, along with the (light spoilers ahead, which probably won’t detract from a new reader’s experience) Freman's actions in the later part of the novel and how they manipulate the environment. The author also builds up the Bene Gesserit and house Harkonnen throughout the novel, though I found that a bit less interesting and can’t talk about it without heavy spoilers. Overall, I think that this worldbuilding is the best part of the novel, and what makes Dune so popular more than half a century after publication.
While I really enjoyed Dune’s plot, politics, and worldbuilding, there were some areas that I strongly disliked, all of which were related to portrayals and ideas the author had rather than issues with the story or writing. There was undeniable sexism and homophobia present in Dune, some overt as well as covert. The main LGBTQ+ character (one of the villains, Baron Harkonnen) was portrayed as depraved and sadistic. The author links his worst personal actions to his sexuality, which is extremely painful and uncomfortable to read. After researching a bit about Frank Herbert’s personal life, I learned that he was a homophobe who apparently never accepted his gay son (Judell 3). This homophobia made me question whether I should continue reading the book. I eventually decided that since the novel is so widespread and relevant (I’m actually writing this review the week before the movie adaptation will be released), I could and should continue reading the story.
Along with the homophobia, there are some clearly Orientalist and exocticized descriptions of the Fremen, which can lead to the interpretation of Dune as a white savior narrative. There’s definitely some truth in interpreting this as a white savior narrative, and the descriptions used for the Fremen are unacceptable in a modern book and uncomfortable to read today, but probably unavoidable in a 1965 book with a focus on a native population and their resistance. There were also significant sexist elements to the book, such as how the Bene Gesserit are mainly puppet masters, and derive much of their power through the men they manipulate or marry. I also didn’t love how Lady Jessica appeared to derive most of her value from her relationships with her husband and son. I will partially reserve my criticism on the sexism in Dune, however, as when I discussed the book with some friends who read the series they told me that it becomes more female-centric in the later books, and the female protagonists are far less tied to men. I’m not sure how accurate that is, but I will wait until I’ve read the other books to pass judgement.
Despite Herbert’s dated and often offensive views, there’s definitely a reason that this book is still relevant more than fifty years after publication. Herbert’s premise, plot, and characters are all unique, and the way his book delves into both the battle for spice and struggle against Arrakis’ environment is fascinating. I’m confident that any reader willing to brave prejudices from the 1960s will find this book an interesting and (mostly) engaging read.
Find the book here
Sources:
Judell, Brandon. “Bland 'Dune' - Also, Frank Herbert's Dug-Up Homophobia.” The Bay Area Reporter, B.A.R. Inc., 19 Oct. 2021, https://www.ebar.com/arts_&_culture/movies/309782.
Wilkinson, Alissa. “Why Dune Endures.” Vox, 22 Oct. 2021, https://www.vox.com/22629441/dune-review-villeneuve-lynch-jodorowsky-herbert.