So, despite my resolve that I would not get into the series, at the urging of my best friend I picked up the first book of the Twilight series. Yes, yes, I know – young adult, vampire romance. Overdone in so many ways. Really, that’s what I thought going into it, but to humor my friend (and because we do have similar tastes) I did pick it up and started reading.
And kept reading, straight through the first book, devouring the second book (in my unemployed funk). Yes, you can all imagine me hanging my head in shame, especially as I begged my husband to buy me the next two books.
Now, as I said originally, the story itself really isn’t all that original. Really, as I read more and more of it, the plot echos the basic set up of Laurel K. Hamilton’s “Anita Blake” series. You’ve got a human, you’ve got some vampires and you’ve got some werewolves. Whoops, sorry, didn’t mean to spill that little piece of plot ‘twist’. You’ve got romantic feelings that equal some sort of convoluted love-triangle. You’ve got teenage love, heartbreak and recklessness. Really nothing terribly original.
Then there’s the writing style. Again, I’m not going to claim it’s anything extraordinary or something that’s bound to become a classic twenty years down the line. Meyers does have a very relaxed, flowing writing style that makes it easy to become engrossed in the story. You don’t have to think while you’re reading, you just have to read and imagine. She does a good job of that, I’ll give her that much.
So what is it that’s got me so entwined in this, honestly, ordinary (and overdone) story?
Edward Cullen.
Unlike many of the mothers and teens that swoon over this character, it’s not that I’ve got a crush on him. His amber eyes and bronze hair don’t make me swoon. To be honest, most of the time when I picture him he’s got blue-ish eyes and dark brown hair. He’s probably stockier than Meyer intended and perhaps a little taller. Not sure on that one. However, aside from the physical differences his personality is spot on with that of the only other man that I’ve loved in my life.
Everything from the way he talks, the way he treats Bella, his mannerisms – everything is almost exactly like the person I fell in love with over 8 years ago. Granted, that person was also the product of some creative writing (some of the time) but that doesn’t make it any less captivating. Everytime I read the book and get to the sections where Edward plays a roll, my thoughts always seem to find their way back to my ex.
In the past two weeks that I’ve been reading the story, I’ve found myself missing him, a lot. After finishing a bout of reading, there’s nothing I want to do more than message him and talk to him. Tell him how much this character reminds me of him. Laugh about it with him, knowing it’s a crappy bit of writing. Talk to him about it and whatever else we happen to touch upon. It just makes me want to be in contact with him.
Add to this the fact that I will be out in his neck of the woods in just over a month and my brain has been in places I’d rather it not go. Nothing that’s immoral considering I’m married, but just … well to be honest, any trains of thought that make me think of my ex for any extended period of time are usually unwelcomed. It forces me to admit to the fact that for some ungodly reason I still love him and there are times when I really yearn for certain aspects of our relationship. Things I know will never be a part of my marriage.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my husband and couldn’t imagine being with anyone else, but there are times when I wish he had traces of my ex’s personality. Not the less savory ones (such as phobias of showers, addictions to RPG’s), but others. Such as his conversation skills, his writing skills and understanding of that part of my personality. His protective nature when it came to me. The feeling that I could let my world rest on his shoulders and he wouldn’t let it fall to pieces (unless by his own actions, of course…)
I just – this damned series has made me start missing him again, which is quite an unfortunate development really. Especially when one gets bored and finds out that he got married earlier this year and didn’t even tell me the good news. I’m not upset that he got married, I don’t have some sudden realization that it’s really over, etc. I’m just sad that he never shared the news with me. Despite everything, the night I got engaged, he was one of the first people I told. I wanted him to know, wanted him to be happy for me. Knew that he’d be able to share in my glee. I’m just really sad that I wasn’t allowed to do that for him.
That, however, is a topic for another time and day. There are too many stick potholes of emotions I could fall into with that one.
All of this said, I would probably suggest the Twilight series to anyone that’s looking for something light and fluffy. An easy read that’s got a somewhat decent plot, that’s just original enough to not make you feel like you’re reading a reprint of another story. Edward is definely a character that will pull you in, make no doubt about it. His relationship with Bella is another part of the story that makes it worthwhile. It’s very real, while being very unreal at the same time. I think the most realistic part for me was in book two, shortly after the book began. It was so real that it hurt, to be honest.
I’m sure I’m not the only one that’s read the book that feels that way though. It’s one of those life experiences that I don’t think you can ever really forget.
