Dune
Frank Herbert
1965
Well, I finally finished Dune. It took me a while, not because it was a long book (though it is) but rather because I've just been so durned busy I've found it hard to find any time at all for recreational reading. But when I could carve out a little time here and there I read it with gusto because it is such a great book.
But you know what? I didn't quite remember how it had ended, and when I finally got to the end I was a little disappointed. For all of the superb writing that Frank Herbert puts into this masterpiece the last couple of pages seem rather anti-climactic. There's no real denouement to the story. It just builds to the final duel with Feyd-Rautha, and then it just kinda ends. That's it. Just, the story's over. This epic space drama has been unfolding for 794 pages, and then the final confrontation takes place and ---- roll credits. No real resolution for the grand tale, no tidying up of loose ends, no release of pent up tension. Just a quick "The End", and that's it.
But I can forgive this abruptness. This is a wonderful tale, and definitely the best of Herbert's works. If you are any fan of science fiction and you haven't yet read Dune, well, get busy! You won't be sorry.
Next up: Dragon's Egg. When I can get to the book store. Alan assures me it's a good read.
4 comments:
Just looked it up, they re-released it in 2011. Also you can get a 2-in-1 from Amazon of Dragon's Egg plus the sequel, Starquake. You should get both.
Also, if you haven't ever read it, you should try to find National Lampoon's "Doon." It's hilarious.
Well, at least there were no deus ex machinae involved...were there?
No, no deus ex machina. The actions that ended the story fit with what came before, I just think Herbert could have taken at least one more chapter to wind things down instead of ending it so abruptly. Think if the original Star Wars movie had ended with the explosion of the Death Star, followed immediately with the end credits. No ships making it out. No celebrations in the hangar. No medal ceremony. None of that.
That's kind of how I felt when I finished Dune.
Post a Comment