Dune by Frank HerbertMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book invades one's dreams. Like infiltrating sand, Dune's myths and mysteries work their way into one's subconscious. One imagines they've always been there, in the back of the mind, waiting to be noticed.
I don't read much science fiction, but this is an old favorite I had to return to. I'm glad I did. I especially loved the effect of the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter -- the history/biography of Paul Muad'Dib as written by the Princess Irulan, whom we meet at the very end.
A few things disappointed me--how crudely the Baron Harkonnen's villany is portrayed (relying so heavily on a reader's assumed disgust at the Baron's obesity and homosexuality); the emotional flatness of Paul later in the novel, as if all his depth and complexity of character had vanished with his rise to power.
The big secret that Paul explores in the spice trance was a bit disappointing as well; I didn't really get it. But then it was supposed to be a mystical revelation! Probably beyond me at this point.
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