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A review by nams
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
The second book in the Twilight Saga has always been my least favorite even when I was teenager devouring the books. This opinion hasn't changed re-reading the book as an adult. The following review entails mild spoilers.
No matter how many things I dislike about the book, I have to admit that the story still captivates me (assisted with some childhood nostalgia). However, re-reading it as an adult, you cannot close your eye to the fact that Bella is basically the worst role model for teenage girls (and boys) imagineable. She is not only unhealthly attached to Edward but also completely dependend on him and his opinion of her. She attaches all her self-worth, happiness and will to live to Edward's love for her. Although it might be understandable that Bella is sad and to some degree depressed when Edward leaves, it is not shown in a healthy way.
As it was already the case in the first book, romantic love is portrayed in a toxic way. In her eagerness to convincingly showcase Edward and Bella's love and devotion for each other, the author completely goes overboard. Under the disguise of feeling profoundly, Bella makes terrible decisions and risks her life and health. It is harmful to trivialize her actions to hear Edward's voice by describing them as "reckless" and "stupid" when in reality they are borderline suicidal (or plain suicidal considering her cliff jumping).
With Edward out of the picture for most of the books, one thing becomes apparent: Bella does not know how to build normal relationships. The void she feels without Edward, she fills with her "friendship" with Jacob (I use quotation marks as their relationship is also not a great example for a good friendship). I am still unclear why she feels so deeply about him but Bella definitely uses Jacob to feel better about herself. Again, she attaches herself to a guy and makes them responsible for her well-being. At the beginning, Jacob had potential to be a truly lovely character, however, over time he is so overcome with bitterness that he loses all his charm.
My previous wish remains: Can someone please re-write the Twilight Saga but in healthy? Because the general plot is interesting and has so much potential but lacks depth.