REVIEW: DUNE BY FRANK HERBERT

Published by Sterling, 2013. Original, 1965. Leather Bound Barnes and Noble Edition, 585 pgs

      In this visionary work of Science Fiction, we open on the Duke of Atreides, his concubine Jessica, and their son Paul. Preparations are under way to leave their homeland in Caladan and journey to the Arrakis planet of Dune, previously ruled by the brutal Harkonnen regime. On this new planet, they will experience peril at every turn from the evil Harkonnens, a traitor from within, and the harsh physical landscape where water is scarce and giant sandworms roam among the precious spice commodity.  
      As in most created worlds, it takes me an hour or two of intense concentration, occasional notetaking, and @100 pages to become invested in the story. This was no different. This novel was published fifty years ago, has been made into a movie and sci-fi channel series, and been discussed thousands of times. I don't think I'll have any earth shattering observations, so will just share what I loved and what was slightly problematic for me.
       There are so many things to appreciate with the construct of the story. The world-building is incredibly detailed, with rich history for all groups of people. The precarious balance of power is fascinating and keeps the tension/suspense element present! I love the concept of any novel that explores the scarcity of a certain commodity, and how that can change people's daily lives. In this case, spice and water. The desert and structure descriptions were simply fantastic.
      I thought the writing was good in most parts, like this observation: "Always before, Staff had ended on an incisive air. This meeting had just seemed to trickle out, worn down by it's own inadequacies, and with an argument to top it off." Quite succinct, and really highlights the mood. I was a big fan of the italicized portions at the beginning of each segment (often written by Princess Irulan), which provided history and often great foreshadowing for the book.
      I think this had one of the most incredible villains. I liked the grotesque physical descriptions that were excellently repulsive! Specific examples would be "thick purple hands" "copious jowls" and "baby-fat hands".  ICK.
        I had some trouble with all the prophecies, legends, and visions that came to Paul and his mother. While I loved the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood element, some dreams went on too long and I wanted the action to move forward without a confusing/muddled dream sequence. Some of the descriptions seemed nonsensical and rambling, and became tedious to me. The visions always seemed fevered, but perhaps that is explored more in book two...or maybe I just need to concentrate and reread.  
       I can see why it is a landmark of Science Fiction and I'm pleased that I had the experience of reading such a beautiful edition. While I appreciated the imaginative work and rich world building, I'm not sure I'll be continuing with the series at the moment. I'm glad that this sufficed as a standalone, but that I'll be able to find plenty of material if I choose to return to this world. I recommend to anyone who wants to read a classic in the genre!

Review: Matilda by Roald Dahl

Published by: Penguin Young Readers Group 1st American Edition, 1988 Hardcover, 240 pages


SUMMARY: Ah, Matilda. My hero! A wonderful, gifted little girl who is a math and reading prodigy by the ripe old age of five. Self-taught through her local library, Matilda escapes her surroundings by reading Dickens and Hemingway. Her used car salesman dad and bingo playing mom blame her for all their shortcomings, treating her deplorably. The story focuses on Matilda's struggles at home and in school as she makes her way through Kindergarten. Through it all, she remains the ideal kid- lacking conceit and self-consciousness while having a sweet personality.

WRITING: This is my first Roald Dahl book. The dude is dark. However, he is quite witty in describing children and adults. I appreciate an author who who is smart enough to realize that children are more perceptive than we give them credit for, and have the ability to be brutally honest.
"Do you think all children's books ought to have funny bits in them?" Miss Honey asked.
"I do...Children are not so serious as grown-ups and they love to laugh" (Matilda)
Matilda is straight forward and looks at life simply but accurately. I was utterly in love with all facets of her personality.

PACING: Appropriate...this is a short children's book and didn't suffer structural problems that often plague literary fiction and fantasy. The story moved along well.

PLOT: Wowser. I was a bit astonished at the extreme physical violence, verbal abuse, and even a cuss word. I wouldn't recommend this to early readers, but rather late middle school to high school reading set. I realize Dahl was playing with extremes, but the ranting and raving of Ms. Trunchbull and the Father were excessive in my opinion. It was blatantly clear that these miserable human beings wanted to squash any happiness or success in others, but it felt like the reader was beat over the head with the hatefulness. It wore on me after a few chapters.

CHARACTERS: Wonderfully done. With characters like Trunchbull, Ms. Honey, Hortensia, Lavender...you could get a sense of personality simply from the names. The over-the-top father is a caricature of madness, and Dahl isn't subtle about making him a shady and ridiculous person.

FINAL RATING: 4 STARS
 Matilda is one of my new favorite characters. Obviously without her there would be no book, but if I hadn't loved her so completely this would get three stars. Dahl also did a great job using the characters as a way to bring attention to social issues...such as resilient children who succeed in spite of atrocious parenting, and how decent teachers must often become the "parent"/mentor and pick up the slack. The book certainly left me feeling a bit disturbed and surprised, but that is obviously the point. The illustrations by Quentin Blake add depth and comedy to the story, and greatly enhance the reading experience!! I recommend to young adult readers looking to root for an adorable protagonist, even though it is technically labeled a children's book.