For decades, Frank Herbert’s audacious science fiction masterwork Dune was considered inadaptable into a screen. In 1984, David Lynch proved this was not all that true. Now Denis Villeneuve proved it way better. It’s so dense, and there is just so much detail to get across to the readers that even Frank has forgotten most of it. It’s one of those books, so beloved and influential, always in the back of people’s minds, waiting to be put to screen. Once again it has been done wonderfully last year. Dune, technically titled Dune: Part One, introduces a universe ruled by a substance so precious, noble families wage war upon each other to gain control of it. Until, one family realises the true scope of the wealth buried beneath the sands of one desert planet. I personally really enjoyed my read of Dune. The prose is very strong, and the description of the world Arrakis is beyond beautiful. It is science fiction but really not in your face with the science of it all, it feels very real. It is realistic to the point that you forget it’s indeed a sci-fi book. A remarkable story, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Impressive is the word, really. I would recommend it to anyone. It covers different preferences and will check a lot of boxes for people. There is heartbreak, destruction, giant worms, epic duels, a marauding terrifying baby and betrayal. I saw the movie which released last year. To be honest it did not disappoint me and I plan to read the second part as soon as possible.
There are some fantastic quotes which I will never forget:
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
“There is no escape—we pay for the violence of our ancestors.”
“Hope clouds observation.”
Anna Amina
Class XI
