Dune fits pretty standardly into the realm of modern day science fiction despite being crafted more than fifty years ago. I suppose that's an achievement in and of itself.
It's impressive that Herbert created this world in an absolute vacuum. That is, there was simply nothing like it when it was written, and it's inspired almost all of the genre media that's come after it. Star Wars, of course, is the obvious one. But there are others, too; perhaps even some you wouldn't consider. George R.R. Martin's fiercely popular A Song of Ice and Fire series shares a lot of its root DNA with Dune. It's a fantastic accomplishment in the history of literature because it's one of the rare examples of the creation of something so completely unique that it shifts the entire paradigm of everything that comes afterwards.
But I can't say I really enjoyed reading it all that much. I'm not a huge fan of genre fiction to begin with, so take this review with a grain of salt. I know plenty of fantasy and science fiction fans who have gobbled up Herbert's stuff and loved it. But to me, it features much of the same drawbacks to other genre fiction I've consumed and felt so-so about. Awkward, droning exposition and shallow characterization—specifically regarding Paul Atreides—are my chief complaints. However, just like other genre fiction that keeps drawing me back in, it features spectacular worldbuilding and an immersive factor that's hard to find outside of good historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy.
My suspicion is that there's a real "Seinfeld is Unfunny" trope going on with this book for me. Perhaps I'm not equipped to recognize its value since I didn't first experience it in its contemporary atmosphere; the one in which nothing quite like this was produced. But reading it in the 21st century, in my personal opinion, leaves a lot to be desired. In my judgment it fits squarely into the pack of other genre fiction being produced.
Sacrilege, I know.
⭐⭐
