| | Comment from (2003-03-08) |
| Okay, first off, you need to know that the movies have absolutely nothing to do with the books. The lifted a few names of places, read every 20th page, and tried (and failed) to string together a plot from that. This is important, if you approach the Dune series looking for a continuation of the movies (and the movies were so bad, I can't think why you would), it just isn't there.
Instead, approach Dune with an open mind and Frank Herbert will fill it up with an intricate and complete universe set 10,000 years in humanity's future. Herbert spent eight YEARS in preparation for the first book in the series, "Dune". During this time, he studied history, politics, ecology, sociology, and religion and it shows. The breadth and depth of this novel is hidden behind sharp writing that doesn't leave you bogged down in details. There are no 'As you know, Bob' moments in these books so common in future setting science fiction.
One of the reasons that these books didn't make the jump to the screen in tact is the rich inner monologue of the characters and through this monologue, these people come alive to the reader.
Dune is the most powerful of the series. Parts of "Dune Messiah" and "Children of Dune" were written during the writing of Dune, but didn't fit in the context and were moved back to other novels. To be honest, the second two books are a little slow. "God Emperor of Dune" moves 3600 years into the future and presents one of the most interesting characters ever created. Herbert flawlessly illustrates Leto II, Paul's son, who has all of human history living in his inner memories and the future of humanity living in his visions. An incredible work by any scale. The last two books, "Heretics of Dune" and "Chapterhouse" skip another 10,000 years into the future and explore the possible limits of human potential.
I cannot say that I am a big fan of all of Frank Herbert's work. The Ship books and his many other single books did not 'do' much for me, but Dune is such an in depth and provocative work that it stays with me. I must confess that I go back and read Dune every two or three years and it never ceases to reveal new layers of meaning and understanding. Many other Dune fanatics will say much the same thing, this is a book that lives not on your book shelf, but in your mind. |
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| | Comment from (2003-03-08) |
| I'd Just like to agree with Oakbox. Like he/she/it said. |
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