Dune

I took it upon myself to write the next great sci-fi epic, but being unfamiliar with the sci-fi literature I decided to investigate. Science fiction has had, and still does impact pop culture and our society at large. As an aspiring writer I wanted to familiarize myself with some of the sci-fi classics. So, I started reading some of the classic sci-fi novels, first up was Dune.

Dune was amazing. The fact this book was written in the 1960's is impressive. Still a fantastic story today. Its use of ecology and religion to solidify plot is original and exceptional. The hallucinogenic drug, called the Spice, is inventive for a deus ex machina, but I imagine it was part of the zeitgeist of the 60's.

There is not much to criticize about the book. Herbert, a UW grad and native Washingtonian, does a fine job to provide enough detail to plant the reader right in the story, but to move the plot along almost entirely by dialog. In fact, the second book Dune Messiah is almost all dialog, also a very good book. I notice Arthur C. Clark is also a master at this technique as well. Both authors have very good pace, yet enough description to put you into the story. It seems Brian, Frank's son, is not as skilled in this category, but to be in Frank's constant shadow and always compared to him must be daunting.

The feminists have critiqued Dune citing females play no major roles and assume traditional roles, side stepped by male dominance. However, the Jedi like order, Bene Gesserit is all female. This female Jedi like order, have special powers, much like Jedi in Star Wars; and are major players in the empire, via their breeding programs or acting as advisers to Dukes and even the Emperor himself. Paul's mother, a Bene Gesserit member, trained with all the powers, even though a concubine, is a protagonist in the book.

A classic! And a real page turner, Frank has the amazing ability to take an epic galactic space opera and turn it into a heart felt and entertaining story. Well done and a wonderful intro into the world of sci-fi literature!