He’s wealthy, attentive, protective, and attractive. Cha-ching!
I’m tired of vampires and werewolves. I’m not big on first-person narration. I’m not even in the right audience for this one. But I had to do it. I had to go back and read the books that inspired a cultural phenomenon thanks to the 2008 film Twilight and its offspring.
It all started with Stephenie Meyer’s 2005 novel of the same name that sank its teeth into the YA market. Alongside narrator Isabella “Bella” Swan, we travel to Forks, Washington, where we meet the mysterious vampire Edward Cullen and bear witness as they fall in love.
When Bella inadvertently crosses paths with another vampire with no compunctions about cracking open a nice human neck, she becomes the target of an unrelenting hunter. And Edward and his family will do everything within their formidable power to protect her.
The novel also introduces Jacob Black, whose Native American tribe in nearby La Push has a severe distrust of the Cullens. Thus begins the series-long rivalry between Jacob and Edward. They’re both strong. They’re both attractive. And they both want to protect an aimless young lady. For many, that’s an irresistible combination.
One of Meyer’s most potent strengths is on display early in the novel. She plays up Edward’s peculiarity, compounded by his initial revulsion towards Bella. Beyond that, the Cullen family’s sharp contrast from their fellow Forks High students is something to behold.
Unfortunately, however, Edward needs to be fleshed out as the novel progresses. A hefty chunk of the book details Edward and Bella getting to know each other. They talk at school, at her house, at his house, in cars, in a field. All this “I’ll love you forever” talk even after being together for a week or so starts to grow wearisome for some audiences.
Again, I understand the fascination with the competition for Bella and with Edward: his godlike presence (even a waitress rouses Bella’s jealousy), his speed and strength, his multiple talents, and the attention he showers on Bella. Nevertheless, there came a point at which I thought to myself, If I have to read about another young man pushing a stray lock of hair behind Bella’s ear or how good Edward smells, I’m going to throw up.
Here’s the big secret about the entire Twilight series and its heroine: despite the excitement of everything happening around her, Bella is rather average (with some exceptions). And maybe that makes sense – maybe it helps more people identify with her. Douglas J. Ogurek ***
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