Twilight by Stephenie Meyer- Review

Reviewer: Mariam Vaid

Although many consider Twilight by Stephenie Meyer a “disgrace to literature” and an “absolute waste of time,” (my friend’s words, not mine), I for one believe the world-renowned novel was a catalyst for what is now known as the paranormal romance genre. This “highly-acclaimed” novel revolves around Isabella Swan, a seventeen-year-old outcast who has come to her father’s hometown of Forks, Washington. She begins high school

and here meets Edward, the mysterious yet handsome member of the Cullen family. Immediately infatuated, Bella attempts to strengthen their relationship, in the process uncovering a secret capable of destroying both their lives and that of those they care about. Hint, hint, both Edward and his family are distant relatives of the infamous Count Dracula.

Upon reading Twilight, and despite its addictive nature, there were a few red flags I came across along the process. First off, Bella herself seemed to have instantly formed an attraction to Edward, to the point in which she appears obsessed. Not even a third into the novel, she claimed she was “unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him [Edward].” Now, I have read my fair share of romance novels, however the particular development of Bella and Edward’s relationship is a bit too insta-love for my taste, taking away its sense of realism.

Second, Edward’s treatment of Bella was enough to raise a few eyebrows. I understand revealing his true nature as a vampire puts her life at risk, and our favorite “knight in shining armor,” Edward, is desperate to keep his true love alive. However on more than one instance he takes upon the role of the domineering male slightly too seriously. During their various encounters, I found myself aghast at his outright objectification of Bella, treating her as if she were merely a weak child. And although in comparison to himself Bella may seem delicate, at the time it seemed more important Edward taught her to defend herself against rogue vampires, rather than treat her as if her were her father.

Despite the few questionable traits of the characters, I found myself unable to put Twilight down. The novel is one without much underlying meaning or a hidden message, perfect for those wishing to read solely for the purpose of escapism. Complete with a high school setting, an angsty romance, and of course everybody’s favorite- vampires, Twilight is a must read and serves as the perfect introduction to the genre of paranormal romance.