Dune
During my few minutes of spare time or forced insomnia I’ve picked up a few interesting books. The series I have picked up, written by Frank Herbert, are entitled Dune.
The series is fantastically well-written and has some references to real world figures. I won’t spoil it for you, but there are a few references to the prophet, Muhammed. While I don’t agree with everything Herbert says in Dune (such as his argument against a consitution), I enjoyed the underlying story. The real world philosphy is rarely obvious save for a few pieces of dialogue here and there. It’s hardly obvious and though you may disagree with it, it’s only relevant in one or two passages.
I’ve only read the first two books so far; Dune and Dune Messaih. This is no ordinary science fiction novel. I’ve tried to read others, but a lot of them are written simply for the speculation of science without much of a story. The technology in Dune is never really explained and fits in naturally into the everyday lives of the characters, much like how we live with technology today.
The characters are great. Gurney Halleck, Duncan Idaho, Alia, Duke Leto Atreides…I can’t decide which one’s my favorite. Though if I had to chose, Gurney Halleck would by my favorite. When a character dies (not telling which), you feel as though you lost a friend. It’s truly well-written.
The only beef I had with the second novel is the lack of any mention of Gurney Halleck until the end. My favorite character just wasn’t in the second novel at all :( But the ending to Dune Messaih was one of the best endings I’ve ever read. Truly a climactic and startling ending.
Just read it. Excellent works. I’m at a loss for words…