Yun's Reviews > Dune
Dune (Dune Chronicles, Book 1)
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by
Let me start by first apologizing to everyone who loves this classic. I don't doubt Dune was something special when it first came out in the 1960s. But reading it for the first time today, it feels horribly outdated to me and at times almost incomprehensible.
I was warned going into this story that the beginning is extremely hard to understand, but that is an understatement. I could barely follow its scene after scene of dialogue referencing people and places and events, all with no explanation or context. It literally feels like I was just dropped into the middle of a book, and everything had already been explained elsewhere.
But it gets better, right? Well, only somewhat. A narrative does take shape, but the writing style remains confusing and obscure. It manages to be both long-winded and not clear enough, if you can believe that. Certain obvious points are harped on again and again, but other crucial ones are merely glossed over. Then, when you inevitably miss those important points, they create this cascading effect that keeps you mired in confusion.
The writing is also pretentious, with regular or nonsensical things consistently being presented in a profound way. There are plenty of extraneous paragraphs that sound good until you try to discern their meaning, at which point you'd be stumped. This sort of writing really confused me because I couldn't figure out which paragraphs mattered and needed to be dissected carefully to suss out their hidden meaning, and which ones are just adornment.
As for the story itself, it was a complete mismatch with my interests. I like science fiction with lots of real science. Instead, this is a space opera (a.k.a. a soap opera that takes place in space) with no actual science. It's all political intrigue, melodrama, doublespeak, and who has power over who, which I have zero interest in. I also couldn't care less about how fawningly amazing Paul is and how he is destined to be the chosen one.
This was such a frustrating reading experience because it could've been an amazing story. And there were moments in the beginning when I thought it was going in those creative directions. I was riveted during that infamous test in the first scene, only to realize that it was completely irrelevant to the rest of the story. Or to see where the book could take the scientific aspects of a desert planet and a population with so little water, which it didn't other than a bit of lip service.
But the book stubbornly chose to disregard these more interesting avenues, and instead took the most straightforward, boring route of making this into a story about power struggle. Well, we could've saved ourselves the bother and just stayed on Earth for that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
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I was warned going into this story that the beginning is extremely hard to understand, but that is an understatement. I could barely follow its scene after scene of dialogue referencing people and places and events, all with no explanation or context. It literally feels like I was just dropped into the middle of a book, and everything had already been explained elsewhere.
But it gets better, right? Well, only somewhat. A narrative does take shape, but the writing style remains confusing and obscure. It manages to be both long-winded and not clear enough, if you can believe that. Certain obvious points are harped on again and again, but other crucial ones are merely glossed over. Then, when you inevitably miss those important points, they create this cascading effect that keeps you mired in confusion.
The writing is also pretentious, with regular or nonsensical things consistently being presented in a profound way. There are plenty of extraneous paragraphs that sound good until you try to discern their meaning, at which point you'd be stumped. This sort of writing really confused me because I couldn't figure out which paragraphs mattered and needed to be dissected carefully to suss out their hidden meaning, and which ones are just adornment.
As for the story itself, it was a complete mismatch with my interests. I like science fiction with lots of real science. Instead, this is a space opera (a.k.a. a soap opera that takes place in space) with no actual science. It's all political intrigue, melodrama, doublespeak, and who has power over who, which I have zero interest in. I also couldn't care less about how fawningly amazing Paul is and how he is destined to be the chosen one.
This was such a frustrating reading experience because it could've been an amazing story. And there were moments in the beginning when I thought it was going in those creative directions. I was riveted during that infamous test in the first scene, only to realize that it was completely irrelevant to the rest of the story. Or to see where the book could take the scientific aspects of a desert planet and a population with so little water, which it didn't other than a bit of lip service.
But the book stubbornly chose to disregard these more interesting avenues, and instead took the most straightforward, boring route of making this into a story about power struggle. Well, we could've saved ourselves the bother and just stayed on Earth for that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Reading Progress
September 16, 2021
–
Started Reading
September 16, 2021
– Shelved
September 22, 2021
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 519 (519 new)
message 1:
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Emily
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Sep 23, 2021 09:25AM
Oh I'm removing this from my TBR then!
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Although this is one of my very favorite books, I have to say that your review hits the nail on the head. Sci-fi is my favorite genre and this was one of my introductions to the sci-fo world, so I think I will always give it a biased 5 star rating. Good review, though!
Emily wrote: "Oh I'm removing this from my TBR then!"
Hi Emily! This seems to be a polarizing book, with lots of people who obviously loved it (including my husband). But it just wasn't for me, unfortunately!
Hi Emily! This seems to be a polarizing book, with lots of people who obviously loved it (including my husband). But it just wasn't for me, unfortunately!
nastya wrote: "oh no!!!! 😆 also I completely understand! I'm glad you tried! Have you ever read Ursula k Le Guin?"
Haha! I'm giving myself a big pat on the back for getting through this tome! No I haven't... are you saying I should read it or I shouldn't? 😅
Haha! I'm giving myself a big pat on the back for getting through this tome! No I haven't... are you saying I should read it or I shouldn't? 😅
Sam wrote: "Although this is one of my very favorite books, I have to say that your review hits the nail on the head. Sci-fi is my favorite genre and this was one of my introductions to the sci-fo world, so I ..."
Thanks, Sam! I'm glad you loved it, as so many others do too! I read this book on my husband's urging because this is one of his favorite books. We were talking about it afterwards, and it was like we read two completely different books haha!
Thanks, Sam! I'm glad you loved it, as so many others do too! I read this book on my husband's urging because this is one of his favorite books. We were talking about it afterwards, and it was like we read two completely different books haha!
Yun wrote: "
Haha! I'm giving myself a big pat on the back for getting through this tome! No I ..."
oh you should, she's very different to Dune, she's much more digging inside. More anthropological sf I would say.
Haha! I'm giving myself a big pat on the back for getting through this tome! No I ..."
oh you should, she's very different to Dune, she's much more digging inside. More anthropological sf I would say.
nastya wrote: "oh you should, she's very different to Dune, she's much more digging inside. More anthropological sf I would say."
Sounds good! Will add her to my list... thanks for the recommendation! ;)
Sounds good! Will add her to my list... thanks for the recommendation! ;)
Yun wrote: "Thanks, Sam! I'm glad you loved it, as so many others do too! I read this book on my husband's urging because this is one of his favorite books. We were talking about it afterwards, and it was like we read two completely different books haha!."
lol! I liked this book and then my husband read it and wasn't that impressed 😆
lol! I liked this book and then my husband read it and wasn't that impressed 😆
nastya wrote: "lol! I liked this book and then my husband read it and wasn't that impressed 😆"
Haha, ok not just us then! I was like, "Do you know me at all? Why would you recommend this to me?" haha 😅
Haha, ok not just us then! I was like, "Do you know me at all? Why would you recommend this to me?" haha 😅
Yikes, must have been painful to read! I feel like this is the case with many classics. Great review!
well, to be fair it's not my favorite book and I wasn't pushing it on him! I think he read it mainly because of the upcoming movie. I'm blameless! 👹
nihitha wrote: "Yikes, must have been painful to read! I feel like this is the case with many classics. Great review!"
Thanks, Nihitha! Painful and long and confusing... I might've ended up with some permanent frown lines from this haha!
Thanks, Nihitha! Painful and long and confusing... I might've ended up with some permanent frown lines from this haha!
nastya wrote: "well, to be fair it's not my favorite book and I wasn't pushing it on him! I think he read it mainly because of the upcoming movie"
The upcoming movie is what finally got to me read it too. But now, I wonder if I should've watched the movie first to help with understanding, then read the book.
The upcoming movie is what finally got to me read it too. But now, I wonder if I should've watched the movie first to help with understanding, then read the book.
Tina wrote: "Sorry this was such a let down! A very true and honest opinion from your heart!"
Thanks, Tina! Appreciate you saying that! It was especially a letdown because of how long it was! 😭
Thanks, Tina! Appreciate you saying that! It was especially a letdown because of how long it was! 😭
Oh gosh, what a bummer! I appreciate the detailed review!! I have been toying with reading this - knowing it wasn't ever really my thing but, you've saved me from doing that haha
I'm glad I haven't attempted to read this one. Sounds like it would not be one I would enjoy, I'll just watch the movie and see if I like that instead.
RenizeKorean wrote: "Oop, looks like it was difficult to read this book! better ones will be waiting for you…(^_^)"
Oops indeed haha! I appreciate you saying that, Renize! :)
Oops indeed haha! I appreciate you saying that, Renize! :)
Chantel wrote: "Oh gosh, what a bummer! I appreciate the detailed review!! I have been toying with reading this - knowing it wasn't ever really my thing but, you've saved me from doing that haha"
Thanks, Chantel! If you're curious, I suggest watching the movie first when it comes out. It isn't the sort of book that gets spoiled, and it'll help a lot with understanding (I assume). Then if you enjoy it, you can try the book. Looking back, I should've done that instead of reading it first.
Thanks, Chantel! If you're curious, I suggest watching the movie first when it comes out. It isn't the sort of book that gets spoiled, and it'll help a lot with understanding (I assume). Then if you enjoy it, you can try the book. Looking back, I should've done that instead of reading it first.
Maureen wrote: "Great review Yun, sorry this one wasn’t a winner 🤗"
Thanks, Maureen! It really wasn't haha! 😭
Thanks, Maureen! It really wasn't haha! 😭
Melissa (LifeFullyBooked) wrote: "I'm glad I haven't attempted to read this one. Sounds like it would not be one I would enjoy, I'll just watch the movie and see if I like that instead."
Thanks, Melissa! Great idea! I should've done the same haha. :)
Thanks, Melissa! Great idea! I should've done the same haha. :)
Vein wrote: I strangley agree
Me: bam so do I. I wouldn't read a book if an author didn't put much effort into he/her book…
Me: bam so do I. I wouldn't read a book if an author didn't put much effort into he/her book…
RenizeKorean wrote: "Vein wrote: I strangley agree
Me: bam so do I. I wouldn't read a book if an author didn't put much effort into he/her book…"
I think the effort is there, but somehow there is a communication barrier between me and this author. Like we aren't on the same language wavelength. Obviously so many others read and understood and loved this book, but I had so much trouble with it. 😭
Me: bam so do I. I wouldn't read a book if an author didn't put much effort into he/her book…"
I think the effort is there, but somehow there is a communication barrier between me and this author. Like we aren't on the same language wavelength. Obviously so many others read and understood and loved this book, but I had so much trouble with it. 😭
Fantastic review, Yun! I know for a fact I wouldn't enjoy this either! Onto the next (hopefully great) read! :)
Yun, thanks for the honest review. Dune has a lot of problems. For one: if women have ‘the voice’ why haven’t they taken over? They’re just ok with having no control and being traded around? Herbert didn’t have much imagination when it comes to women.
Michael wrote: "Fantastic review, Yun! I know for a fact I wouldn't enjoy this either! Onto the next (hopefully great) read! :)"
Thanks, Michael! After such an epic and boring read, I hope a goodie is in my future! :)
Thanks, Michael! After such an epic and boring read, I hope a goodie is in my future! :)
Really enjoyed this review Yun. Not least because it confirms I'm not crazy, ha ha. It is interesting how polarizing this book is.
Minna wrote: "Yun, thanks for the honest review. Dune has a lot of problems. For one: if women have ‘the voice’ why haven’t they taken over? They’re just ok with having no control and being traded around? Herber..."
Thanks, Minna! Haha so true! Back in the 60s, perhaps this was the most imagination anyone could have... and it was unimaginable that women would be in power. 🤔
Thanks, Minna! Haha so true! Back in the 60s, perhaps this was the most imagination anyone could have... and it was unimaginable that women would be in power. 🤔
Tim wrote: "Really enjoyed this review Yun. Not least because it confirms I'm not crazy, ha ha. It is interesting how polarizing this book is."
Thanks, Tim! You're not alone and I'm glad I'm not either! Definitely polarizing... this is one of my husband's favorite books, and as we're talking about it, it seems like we read two completely different books haha!
Thanks, Tim! You're not alone and I'm glad I'm not either! Definitely polarizing... this is one of my husband's favorite books, and as we're talking about it, it seems like we read two completely different books haha!
Great Review Yun! You and I don't agree on this one - but this is what I love about your reviews - You aren't afraid to go against the grain and back it up with wit, intelligence and tenacity! : )
I have read this one three times - the third time on audiobook. Each time it got better for me. But I kind of felt like you the first time through at times to be honest. I thought the audiobook was awesome though.
I have read this one three times - the third time on audiobook. Each time it got better for me. But I kind of felt like you the first time through at times to be honest. I thought the audiobook was awesome though.
David wrote: "Great Review Yun! You and I don't agree on this one - but this is what I love about your reviews - You aren't afraid to go against the grain and back it up with wit, intelligence and tenacity! : )
..."
Thanks so much, David! Appreciate your kind comment! Obviously, I'm in the minority here since so many others understood and loved this book with no problem, you included. I'm glad this book is such a winner for you, and it's getting better with each subsequent read/listen! This is actually one of my husband's favorite books and I read it at his behest. As we're talking about it afterwards, it's like we read two completely books haha. So I get where you're coming from! :)
..."
Thanks so much, David! Appreciate your kind comment! Obviously, I'm in the minority here since so many others understood and loved this book with no problem, you included. I'm glad this book is such a winner for you, and it's getting better with each subsequent read/listen! This is actually one of my husband's favorite books and I read it at his behest. As we're talking about it afterwards, it's like we read two completely books haha. So I get where you're coming from! :)
Ha! Always uncomfortable to read a book highly recommended by a close friend or spouse and then hate it 😂 Reminds me if my experience with The Midnight Library 😬
Great review Yun! This one has never really appealed to me and now I know it wouldn't be a winner based on your thoughts and criticisms. Hope you love the next!
Fabulous review, Yun! This is one classic that keeps appearing on my radar and I keep running away from it. Now after your review, I don't think I want to give it a try at all.
David wrote: "Ha! Always uncomfortable to read a book highly recommended by a close friend or spouse and then hate it 😂 Reminds me if my experience with The Midnight Library 😬"
Awkward indeed! To my husband, I was like, "Do you know me at all? Why would you recommend this to me?" 🤣 I'm with you on The Midnight Library though!
Awkward indeed! To my husband, I was like, "Do you know me at all? Why would you recommend this to me?" 🤣 I'm with you on The Midnight Library though!
Jen wrote: "Great review Yun! This one has never really appealed to me and now I know it wouldn't be a winner based on your thoughts and criticisms. Hope you love the next!"
Thanks, Jen! It's good to know what you enjoy and don't, and stick with it. I should've paid more attention before diving into this one lol! :)
Thanks, Jen! It's good to know what you enjoy and don't, and stick with it. I should've paid more attention before diving into this one lol! :)
RoshReviews wrote: "Fabulous review, Yun! This is one classic that keeps appearing on my radar and I keep running away from it. Now after your review, I don't think I want to give it a try at all."
Thanks, Rosh! If you're interested at all, I'd recommend maybe seeing the movie first once it's out. I suspect that will help with setting up the story, and it should make it easier to understand if you decide to read it. :)
Thanks, Rosh! If you're interested at all, I'd recommend maybe seeing the movie first once it's out. I suspect that will help with setting up the story, and it should make it easier to understand if you decide to read it. :)
Yun wrote: "RoshReviews wrote: "Fabulous review, Yun! This is one classic that keeps appearing on my radar and I keep running away from it. Now after your review, I don't think I want to give it a try at all."..."
That sounds good, Yun. I usually prefer the book first but this one does look like it will work only as a movie for me. 🙂
That sounds good, Yun. I usually prefer the book first but this one does look like it will work only as a movie for me. 🙂
"Well, we could've saved ourselves the bother and just stayed on Earth for that."
And with that, I will not be reading this. Thanks for the warning! Sounded a bit painful.
And with that, I will not be reading this. Thanks for the warning! Sounded a bit painful.
RoshReviews wrote: "That sounds good, Yun. I usually prefer the book first but this one does look like it will work only as a movie for me. 🙂"
Same here with preferring to read the book first, but that was definitely a mistake here lol! 😭
Same here with preferring to read the book first, but that was definitely a mistake here lol! 😭
Holly wrote: ""Well, we could've saved ourselves the bother and just stayed on Earth for that."
And with that, I will not be reading this. Thanks for the warning! Sounded a bit painful."
Thanks, Holly! It was painful and long and boring... lol. Obviously lots of others enjoyed this, but I can't recommend it based on my experience. :)
And with that, I will not be reading this. Thanks for the warning! Sounded a bit painful."
Thanks, Holly! It was painful and long and boring... lol. Obviously lots of others enjoyed this, but I can't recommend it based on my experience. :)
Great review, Yun! I did make a video 7 Tips To Help You Read Dune, because I felt exactly like you did when I first started to read this book. One thing that helped me tremendously was the audiobook. Because it had a different voice for each character, it was much easier to determine who was speaking especially when I didn't know who the characters were in the beginning. Dune did have some extremely surprising moments which I really did enjoy because I never knew what was going to happen. I do like soap operas so maybe that's why I enjoyed it so much. :)
Lisa of Troy wrote: "Great review, Yun! I did make a video 7 Tips To Help You Read Dune, because I felt exactly like you did when I first started to read this book. One thing that helped me tremendously was the audiobo..."
Thanks, Lisa! I ended up having to look things up and bugging my husband every time I didn't understand something. I'm glad you thoroughly enjoyed this and the audiobook added a lot to the experience for you! I have heard that quite a few people really enjoyed the audiobook and found it easier to get into the story that way. Haha, fair enough on soaps... I just wanted more science for a sci-fi book! :)
Thanks, Lisa! I ended up having to look things up and bugging my husband every time I didn't understand something. I'm glad you thoroughly enjoyed this and the audiobook added a lot to the experience for you! I have heard that quite a few people really enjoyed the audiobook and found it easier to get into the story that way. Haha, fair enough on soaps... I just wanted more science for a sci-fi book! :)