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Unconvincing,
Interesting,
Epic

1 review

Dune
by Frank Herbert

Published: 2003-08-26
Kindle Edition : 894 pages
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21 clubs reading this now
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Recommended to book clubs by 1 of 1 members
Frank Herbert’s epic masterpiece—a triumph of the imagination and the bestselling science fiction novel of all time.

Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, who would become the mysterious man known as Muad'Dib. He would avenge the traitorous plot ...
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Introduction

Frank Herbert’s epic masterpiece—a triumph of the imagination and the bestselling science fiction novel of all time.

Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, who would become the mysterious man known as Muad'Dib. He would avenge the traitorous plot against his noble family—and would bring to fruition humankind’s most ancient and unattainable dream.

A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune won the first Nebula Award, shared the Hugo Award, and formed the basis of what it undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction.

Editorial Review

This Hugo and Nebula Award winner tells the sweeping tale of a desert planet called Arrakis, the focus of an intricate power struggle in a byzantine interstellar empire. Arrakis is the sole source of Melange, the "spice of spices." Melange is necessary for interstellar travel and grants psychic powers and longevity, so whoever controls it wields great influence.

The troubles begin when stewardship of Arrakis is transferred by the Emperor from the Harkonnen Noble House to House Atreides. The Harkonnens don't want to give up their privilege, though, and through sabotage and treachery they cast young Duke Paul Atreides out into the planet's harsh environment to die. There he falls in with the Fremen, a tribe of desert dwellers who become the basis of the army with which he will reclaim what's rightfully his. Paul Atreides, though, is far more than just a usurped duke. He might be the end product of a very long-term genetic experiment designed to breed a super human; he might be a messiah. His struggle is at the center of a nexus of powerful people and events, and the repercussions will be felt throughout the Imperium.

Dune is one of the most famous science fiction novels ever written, and deservedly so. The setting is elaborate and ornate, the plot labyrinthine, the adventures exciting. Five sequels follow. --Brooks Peck

Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

Do you think Herbert's vision of the universe in the future, is a true or, at least, believeable one? Discuss your reasons.
Do you think religion, superstition, and prophecy are taking on a greater significance or less significance in people's lives these days as science continues to advance? Why do you think this is?
Is the blending of Islam and Christianity, along with the other elements from Hinduism, Budhism and other religions believable? Why?
by Infogal (see profile) 04/03/11

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Book Club Recommendations

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by Infogal (see profile) 04/03/11

Member Reviews

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by Hannah A. (see profile) 12/04/23

 
  "A science-fiction classic - but oh so dated!"by Jayanti A. (see profile) 04/03/11

When a whole tribe of people move to the arid planet Arrakis as the new rulers, you can expect trouble. But when the planet in question is the sole source of a life-prolonging and supernatur... (read more)

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