Plot Synopsis: Think Game of Thrones...in space. That is what Dune is like. The story follows Paul Atredies, the son of Lord Leto Atredies, as he moves from a paradise planet to Arrakis, a desert wasteland. Arrakis, however, is a key planet because it is the only place in the universe that has the most valuable resource -- spice. After Paul's family is betrayed by both the Emperor and a rival house (Harkonnen), Paul and his mystical Bene Gesserit mother, Lady Jessica, must survive out in the desert wastelands of Arrakis, full of storms and dangerous sandworms. There they will plot their revenge...and learn more than they bargained for.
Literary Analysis: Dune is a complex story with many plot twists, interesting characters, and an imaginative world full of unique objects, religions, and magic. It is impressive how Frank Herbert manages to cram so much detail into a single novel and do it elegantly! Readers are given a thorough understanding of political structures, philosophies, ethnic languages, deadly weapons, religions, and mystical powers (as in the case of the Bene Gesserits). Herbert describes all of these things with precision and even though there are made-up vocabulary, readers will never be lost on their meaning. (I read the entire book and had no issues with the vocabulary...only to discover there was a glossary at the end. Obviously, I didn't need it.) The characters are extremely well-developed. Chapters switch focus from one character's view (third person limited) to another and provide insight into their thoughts as well as background information, creating a great deal of tension as readers dive deeper into the novel.
Personal Reaction: This was a great novel, although it was a long read. There were some slow spots, but never enough to stop me from continuing on. I fell in love with some of the characters (Liet-Kynes!) and was intrigued by others. I definitely see why Dune is one of the best-selling science fiction novels out there, even after 70 years. It's engaging, creative, and suspenseful. Enough said!
Final Rating: 9/10. Great storyline, memorable characters, fantastic world descriptions, all bundled neatly into a solid novel contribute to the high score.
