Fluke was published by New English Library in 1977 and surprised Herbert’s readers by being gentle, lyrical, and emotionally affecting rather than horrifying. The narrator is a dog — a mixed-breed stray in London — who gradually recovers fragmentary memories of a previous life as a human being. As the memories sharpen, the dog sets out to find his former wife and child, driven by an instinct he cannot fully understand.
The novel demonstrated Herbert’s range beyond horror. The dog’s-eye perspective — seeing the world through smell and instinct rather than language and analysis — was convincingly rendered, and the gradual recovery of human memory within an animal consciousness created a unique narrative tension.
Herbert’s Range
Fluke demonstrated that Herbert was capable of tenderness as well as terror. The novel was adapted into a 1995 film directed by Carlo Carlei, starring Matthew Modine and Nancy Travis. Critics who had dismissed Herbert as a shock merchant were forced to acknowledge the emotional depth of his writing when he chose to deploy it.
Collecting Fluke
First edition (New English Library, London, 1977): Paperback original.
Approximate market values:
- First edition paperback, fine: $20–$50
- First hardcover edition: $50–$125
Projected values (2026–2036): Moderate appreciation. The novel’s unique position in Herbert’s oeuvre gives it particular appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Fluke adapted into a film? Yes. A 1995 film adaptation starred Matthew Modine and Samuel L. Jackson. The movie softened Herbert’s darker elements considerably, turning it into a family-friendly story about a dog’s journey. It received mixed reviews but has a small cult following.