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A review by rachachisaur
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
slow-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
0.25
This was a reread 15 years after I first read the book, and oh my lord I have no idea how I ever thought this was good reading material. This book is an abomination.
The only likeable characters in this story are the high school friends, whom Bella treats like absolute trash, and Jacob, who she manipulates and also treats badly. Bella, Edward, and the Cullen are all somehow simultaneously awful while having absolutely no personality whatsoever.
I had also forgotten that literally nothing happens in this book until the very end. And even that one big event happens randomly out of nowhere and was jarring within the story, If Bella or Edward had even an inkling of personality aside from being unpleasant, the story might make sense. In a loosely cobbled together sort of way. But they don’t and it doesn’t.
No important or enlightening conversations take place, even when the setting would call for one (such as the hotel stay), nor do Edward and Bella spend any sort of quality or bonding time together. Aside from Edward rapid fire questioning her about her life for a few day, they don’t even try to get to know each other. And when they do spend time together, Edward fluctuates between treating Bella like an incompetent child - literally carrying her around like one - and being downright mean to her. Because he loathes himself for being attracted to her.
Entire essays have been written on the toxic nature of Bella and Edward’s relationship, but I had forgotten how consistently Edward and his whole family violate Bella’s consent. In every possible situation and at every possible level.
On top of all the problems with the story itself, the writing is incredibly basic and boring. It feels as though the author has never seen or described an attractive person before and therefore fails to convey any sort of effective image of these supposedly god-like vampires. The dialogue is incredibly basic and boring, and the repetition of the same phrases and actions gets distracting real fast.
When I say that this book has given me a new respect for and appreciation of every single other book and author I’ve rated below 2 stars in the past, I truly mean it.
The only likeable characters in this story are the high school friends, whom Bella treats like absolute trash, and Jacob, who she manipulates and also treats badly. Bella, Edward, and the Cullen are all somehow simultaneously awful while having absolutely no personality whatsoever.
I had also forgotten that literally nothing happens in this book until the very end. And even that one big event happens randomly out of nowhere and was jarring within the story, If Bella or Edward had even an inkling of personality aside from being unpleasant, the story might make sense. In a loosely cobbled together sort of way. But they don’t and it doesn’t.
No important or enlightening conversations take place, even when the setting would call for one (such as the hotel stay), nor do Edward and Bella spend any sort of quality or bonding time together. Aside from Edward rapid fire questioning her about her life for a few day, they don’t even try to get to know each other. And when they do spend time together, Edward fluctuates between treating Bella like an incompetent child - literally carrying her around like one - and being downright mean to her. Because he loathes himself for being attracted to her.
Entire essays have been written on the toxic nature of Bella and Edward’s relationship, but I had forgotten how consistently Edward and his whole family violate Bella’s consent. In every possible situation and at every possible level.
On top of all the problems with the story itself, the writing is incredibly basic and boring. It feels as though the author has never seen or described an attractive person before and therefore fails to convey any sort of effective image of these supposedly god-like vampires. The dialogue is incredibly basic and boring, and the repetition of the same phrases and actions gets distracting real fast.
When I say that this book has given me a new respect for and appreciation of every single other book and author I’ve rated below 2 stars in the past, I truly mean it.