“Dune” is a daunting book. Averaging page numbers ranging in the 800s depending on the copy, the time it takes to just skim the entire book is a serious commitment, and that doesn’t even scratch the surface. Inside that thick book lie page upon page of deep, intricate story, containing everything from political intrigue to psychic awakenings, and it's only the first book in a series of six. “Dune” is a book that requires no small investment of time and brain power, but one that is incredibly fun, enthralling, and meaningful.
“Dune” takes place in a universe where humanity has spread across the entire known universe, but instead of moving to a more progressive system of government, they’ve reverted to a feudal society, with each planet being ruled by a lord. “Dune” follows the son of one of these lords, Paul Atreides, as his family prepares to leave their luscious home planet of Caladan for their newly bestowed holding of Arrakis. The desert planet is completely void of any water other than the miniscule amounts in the air. Arrakis is home to three things: the indigenous Fremen people, giant sandworms, and the spice, an addictive substance that is essential for travel through space.
Throughout the book, the Atreides family must contend with the factions trying to seize control of the spice mining industry, all while dodging several assassination attempts and making a great story that will always keep its reader on their toes.
The book’s greatest aspects lie in its themes of environmental exploitation, the importance of ecology, and criticisms of the willingness of those in power to do horrible things to maintain their power and gain more. Frank Herbert, the author, was a fierce advocate for the preservation of nature and an avid ecologist. His passions are well represented in his work, as he manages to weave his love of the environment and all the little things that make it function into a science fiction story of epic proportions.
Of course, “Dune” isn’t perfect. Like anything, it has flaws. It’s long, as mentioned before, and while for many, including myself, a long book can be a treat, they aren’t for everyone, and if you don’t have a lot of time to read, you might find yourself still reading after several months. Dune’s deep plotlines are another example of a strength that might be considered a weakness as well. The book is filled with terms that will have you consulting the glossary every couple of minutes at the start so you can keep up. “Dune” requires you to keep close track of everything that’s going on, or you’ll end up seriously confused.
Keeping all this in mind, “Dune” is still a phenomenal book. No book in recent memory has kept me on the edge of my seat as often as Dune, and neither has any book presented such a fun challenge. I would absolutely recommend Dune to anyone who enjoys a long, enthralling story filled with great moments and deep themes.
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