Twilight

In 2009, on holiday I chose to take “Twilight” to read. I gave it a few chapters before I gave up, sickened by the very full on description of how perfect Edward was in each and every way. I said to a friend that it was like reading the diary of a teenage girl, and it did feel quite wrong doing so, I being male and not in my teens any more.

However, I decided to give it a second chance and persevered with it. The first person narrative gives the impression of someone who is older than the seventeen year old protagonist in the novel; Meyer presents Bella as a blank slate. Maybe so this is so that the reader can imprint themselves onto her?

The plot, only really picks up pace towards the end of the novel, which for readers wanting an action based novel, will be sorely disappointed by. The main bulk of “Twilight” concentrates on a teenage romance, and all the drama and ecstasy of it, whilst also leaving predictable plot lines open like gaping potholes on a major road, which are continued in “New Moon”.

At it's core, “Twilight” IS a romance novel - that involves vampires. It is well written in a descriptive manner, but at times overly done. There is a plot, but at times it is difficult to find. There are characters, but they're used as plot devices. There are vampires - but not as we know them. There is a lack of action, yet continuity.

So my personal reaction to “Twilight” is somewhat mixed.