19 January 2020

Stephanie Meyer's best selling book "Twilight" became an instant success with millions of teenagers.  This is mostly due to the fact that Meyers portrayal of the vampire family showed a sensitive, yet misunderstood clan.  Throughout history the vampire has been cast as the monster; the one to fear when night falls.  Even with this fear factor, something about the vampire always attracted the girl.  Somewhere between fear and desire, the vampire managed to draw in the damsel in distress.  What started out as the vampire Nosferatu has morphed into the dashing Edward Cullens.  Hollywood has taken its toll on our monstrous creature and has allowed him to become more human.  In "Twilight" the reader is brought into the vampires daily activities.  Other than not eating meals or sleeping, they are very much like any other American family.  By allowing this intimate look into the vampire, the reader begins to forma relationship with him.  Edward Cullens is like any other high school student, having to get through biology and what to wear the next day.  What makes Edward stand out from others is his immediate charisma and ability to draw people into him.  He is alluring and handsome, something that makes any other human want to be near him.  Edward explains to his love interest that this is not a coincidence, and this is to lure his next prey.  Lucky for this love interest, Bella, Edward is a self described "vegetarian" amongst vampires. 

"Twilight" is a star crossed love story that stretches through several decades.  Bella is a shy and awkward girl who is used to being lost in the shadows until she meets Edward.  For some reason neither can stay away from the other.  As if there is an invisible twine pulling each to the other.  The characters are built up throughout the story line in a manner that gives the reader a sense of belonging.  By the end of this first vampire book from Meyers, the reader feels as they are part of the friend group and they have a connection with these characters.  Meyers ability to make these characters so real to the reader, allows the reader to be drawn into this love story. 

Rather than write the typical vampire story that ends with death in a broken love story; Meyers explores the possibility that the vampire can have a soul with a conscience.  Perhaps it is possible for the vampire to achieve happiness and live happily ever after.  With this book, rather than the reader afraid of the antagonist, we find ourselves cheering him on and hoping for the love a lifetime.