Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Well I can see what the fuss was about: if I were still a teenager. I’m not sure that I totally agree with the Cullen vampire family and their fascination with Bella. The book being entirely from her perspective we’re told that she’s “different” from other humans, but other than the fact that she “smells” enticing, her reactions and behaviour seem perfectly ordinary to me.
There’s just so much description regarding Edward’s dazzling beauty, that all other descriptions seem to fall by the wayside. OK he’s a pretty boy. I get it!
I guess for me this book was very much centred around one obsessive relationship, not a particularly healthy relationship, and a requited one at that. Not therefore something that grounds this fantastical story in any level of reality.
Of course, reading this from outside the USA with only a little frame of reference of American high schools, is one more level of detachment from the characters. For me the vampires were the most realistic thing about this book!
I am, however, still a firm believer that vampires should NOT sparkle! And they’re way too soppy and sentimental. Living for hundreds of years plus should have given them the opportunity to grow a spine at some point.
Well, as I have the whole series, I will read them (& I’ve not seen the movies). I can only assume that the themes mature along with the lead character. Here’s hoping!
Click the image to buy a copy on Amazon.co.uk:
Crown Jules Presents 