Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
It's always intriguing to read a book that has fascinated
millions of readers. Twilight is a phenomenon: it has topped
best-seller lists, spawned fan groups and inspired rock
bands.
The actors cast in the movie adaptation have become instant stars.
Robert Pattinson (who plays the heroic vampire, Edward Cullen)
probably needs security to pop out to get the mail.
Twilight is told from the perspective of 17-year-old loner Bella
Swan, who has just moved to the grey and rainy Forks in Washington,
USA. There she meets the unpredictable Edward Cullen, her
impossibly handsome, mysterious classmate who is guarding one hell
of a secret: he's a vampire who longs to thirst on Bella's
blood.
It's not long before Bella discovers the truth about Edward, and
the two embark on a relationship which increasingly endangers
Bella's life, especially when a new group of vampires discover
Bella's irresistible scent.
Sound melodramatic? It is. Twilight is a yearning saga of
pounding hearts. Word has it the author, Stephenie Meyer (a Morman)
used the vampire/mortal relationship as a metaphor for
abstinence.
The strength of Twilight lies in its characterisation and
plotting. Edward Cullen is everything a hero should be: he's
devoted to Bella, while maintaining an air of
masculinity. He's incredibly good looking, and to top it all
off, he's capable of extreme jealousy and passion.
The plot rips along, offering ample scenes for Bella and Edward to
fight, make up, and pine for each other. The final climax doesn't
fail to disappoint.
However, Twilight feels like it's in need of a good
edit. Case and point?
"I'm sorry," he apologised.
The plot is strong enough to withstand these sloppy moments, but
they could easily have been avoided nonetheless.
Meyer's prose is flowery, and she often resorts to cliché
to describe the relationship between Edward and Bella. Longing
looks, gasping breath, it's all there. Perhaps the movie adaptation
benefits from offering a subjective perspective on their
relationship, rather than forcing the audience to listen to Bella
talk about Edward's hair for the umpteenth time.
However, Twilight has got the masses reading and for that it
shouldn't be knocked. If you can ignore its flaws, Twilight
will take you along for a ride... and perhaps you'll get a little
crush on a 101-year-old vampire in the process.
7/10
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Published by:
Hachette Livre
RRP: $29.99
Available: Now, from all good book stores
