Dune (Dune #1) in James Mustich's 1000 Books to Read Before You Die

Sep 10, 2020 Chuck rated it really liked it

Shelves: 1000

This year I've enjoyed continuing to revisit my childhood interest in science fiction, reading or rereading classics like H. G. Well and Asimov. While the length of Dune is intimidating, I probably avoided considering reading it earlier after having seen the David Lynch film version of the book. I found the plot too confusing and the characters too remote to relate to (unless maybe one were to get very high before viewing).

I really loved this book. It is packed with detail (as it seems to me mo This year I've enjoyed continuing to revisit my childhood interest in science fiction, reading or rereading classics like H. G. Well and Asimov. While the length of Dune is intimidating, I probably avoided considering reading it earlier after having seen the David Lynch film version of the book. I found the plot too confusing and the characters too remote to relate to (unless maybe one were to get very high before viewing).

I really loved this book. It is packed with detail (as it seems to me most contemporary SF books are), but the length and detail is needed for Herbert to have created the world of Dune. Once I invested myself in it, I found myself hooked. I guess it does in a way reek of the era when it was written (the 1960s) with its spice drug, hallucinogens, and quasi-Middle Eastern details. But those associations fade into its own intricate culture.

A couple of things stood out for me as outstanding timeless themes: 1) the purpose, qualities, and complexities of leadership, particularly as experienced by the central character, Paul; and 2) the power and position of women in the culture.

Paul reminded me of the story of Marcus Aurelius and his privileged, early training by the great Stoic philosophers of Rome. Paul has been surrounded by trainers, supporters, and protectors who don't coddle him, but actually test him, so that like Aurelius he is ready when the time comes to meet the challenge of leadership. Herbert also is brilliant in laying out group dynamics and showing us the skill needed to strategize and negotiate. Paul's mother, Lady Jessica, is imbued with special training and powers. While men are quite dominant in this story, they are clearly lost without the unique qualities that women provide.

I have heard the sequels don't live up to the original, I must say I am still tempted to find out. And, when the recent trailer for the new Dune movie was circulated, I was thrilled to see so much of what we see in the trailer being close to how I imagined the world of Dune. ...more

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