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A review by applesodaperson
Dune by Frank Herbert
adventurous
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I waited to write this review until I finished the entire Frank Herbert series, and honestly this on is my favorite out of all 6. It has all of the good bits that people love about this book and lacks a lot of the issues I saw in the later books. It also does a really good job at introducing readers to the world and characters, even though it definitely takes some time and brain power. And even though this book is long, it felt shorter than it was in a good way. I will say that the writing style was a bit basic/standard. I also liked the sci-fi elements, although sometimes it felt less like sci-fi and more like Middle Eastern culture in space, which Herbert was clearly very inspired by. I also think that a lot of people misunderstand this as a white savior narrative, which I disagree with in this book because the Atreides are very clearly the bad guys.
Now I am going to talk about some criticisms by talking about the changes they made for the movies that I liked (specifically the Denis Villeneuve movies). I liked that they gave Chani more independence, because she really doesn't do anything in the books. And it makes me wonder if they are going to do something similar with Irulan in the next movie. I liked that Duncan Idaho has more of a brotherly relationship with Paul in the movie. I like that the took away Leto's harder edges and I like that he died thinking that Paul and Jessica were dead, because it makes it way sadder. I also like that movie Jessica has a lot more agency, instead of just "orbiting Paul" as she is said to do in the book.
Overall, I do highly recommend reading this book, if only for its cultural impact on sci-fi.
Read a personal copy.
Now I am going to talk about some criticisms by talking about the changes they made for the movies that I liked (specifically the Denis Villeneuve movies). I liked that they gave Chani more independence, because she really doesn't do anything in the books. And it makes me wonder if they are going to do something similar with Irulan in the next movie. I liked that Duncan Idaho has more of a brotherly relationship with Paul in the movie. I like that the took away Leto's harder edges and I like that he died thinking that Paul and Jessica were dead, because it makes it way sadder. I also like that movie Jessica has a lot more agency, instead of just "orbiting Paul" as she is said to do in the book.
Overall, I do highly recommend reading this book, if only for its cultural impact on sci-fi.
Read a personal copy.
Moderate: Death, Sexual assault, and Violence