Midnight Sun by Stephenie MeyerMy review
rating: 4 of 5 starsPage 162
Thus far, I am at war between two different thought processes about this book – one extremely positive and one…fairly creeped out.
Thought Process 1) It is delightfully different to read the Twilight story from Edward’s point of view. While in the original I found his character to be boring, selfish and dangerously obsessive, reading from his perspective brings life to his character. It makes sense that a story about a vampire hopelessly in love would be more interesting than that of an overwrought 17 year-old girl – how could a vampire who can hear the thoughts of others and has lived for a hundred years and taken these same high school classes more times than he can count not be more interesting, just as a matter of course? But the interest in Edward goes far beyond interest in just any old vampire. He no longer comes across as arrogant perfection. Arrogant, perhaps, but it is no longer viewed as a virtue. He is also funny and not at all self assured. His jealousy leads to many humorous situations, such as when he accidentally lifts young trees out of the ground while trying to control himself as Mike asks Bella out on a date.
Conversely, Bella’s character seems far more strong and capable, as viewed through the eyes of others. Characteristics which made her seem a bit of a martyr and a door mat before are now shown as selflessness and the kind of strength which comes from being forgiving and generous. She, too, is given added humor in this version of the story.
I am also pleased that in writing from this perspective, the author is given the opportunity to let us know the entire Cullen clan – all interesting characters in their own right – a little more. We learn more about Edward and all of them, as we are shown how they relate to one another. I am a big fan of Alice in particular and so it is fun to have her pop up in this version so much more than in the original. The same could be said for the introduction of the Denali clan, notably
In all (aside from the occasional typo or misuse of grammar, but let’s remember that this is but a draft of a novel and assume that these things would have been caught in the editing process…assuming there is an editing process on Stephenie Meyer’s books, which is highly debatable…but let’s give her the benefit of the doubt, shall we?), this book is far better written (technically-speaking) than the original novel, which is a relief. In fact, so far I’d say this is technically superior to all of the books in the series. Whether that is simply because the author had grown as a writer by the time she sat down to it or if she just so enjoyed writing from the vampire’s perspective that she was inspired is open for discussion.
I can not yet determine, though, if one would be able to read this as a stand-alone novel and understand it enough to enjoy it as much as I am. It is hard to sufficiently detach myself from the background I have after reading the four original novels in the series so that I could make that determination. I have the feeling, though, that the book may not make much sense if you had not read the others.
Thought Process 2) I mentioned in my review of the original Twilight that I was a little freaked out by the fact that Edward snuck in to Bella’s bedroom at night, to watch her sleep…well, that obsessive behavior goes far beyond “a little freaky” now.
The first time he crept through her window was creepy enough…now he’s following her all over town and spying on her while she reads in her back yard.
Um…Restraining Order anyone?
**
Page 163
So Edward spends the entire day spying on Bella, then eavesdrops to hear her conversations with her father during the evening.
“And then I left, knowing I would return when she was asleep.
“I would not trespass on her privacy the way the peeping tom would have.”
As if this bit of rationale makes all of his stalking palatable.
The attempts at justification for Edward’s sometimes truly disturbing behavior bother me.
And why so much emphasis on “protecting” her? Aside from the fact that this is really just another justification for Edward being controlling and obsessive, I do not like the way we are force-fed Bella as some sort of victim, always in need of rescue. It is not only tiresome, but I have never fully believed it. Bella seems in all ways not related to vampires to be quite efficient, smart, strong and capable, if a bit too fearless (and clumsy – let’s not forget that she’s clumsy, since we are repeatedly beaten over the head with this fact) for her own good. Certainly within her own family, she is the caretaker – much a parent figure, in many ways. To have her become some clumsy weakling with a target perpetually on her forehead every time she leaves the house has always struck me as a bit inconsistent.
I do find it interesting that Edward can not fully read Bella’s father Charlie’s thoughts. I have been frustrated with the lack of explanation for Edward not being able to access Bella’s thoughts and while I still don’t have that explanation, the fact that he can also not see in to Charlie’s mind is an interesting tid-bit; like whatever it is, it’s a hereditary trait.
**
Page 179
I find Edward’s social ineptness to be extremely funny. Has it really been so long since he’s talked to a teenage girl that he is so clueless? It’s comical. And one reason why I like him more, now that I see things from his point of view. I also enjoy that he can read pretty much everybody’s thoughts. While I’m sure it would be unbearable to deal with him in real life, it’s funny on paper to know what every waitress is thinking.
Stephenie Meyer needed to realize four books ago that flaws make people interesting. There is nothing remotely attractive or exciting about perfection. It’s boring. And one reason why the introduction of Renesmee in Breaking Dawn bothered me. Where is there to go with that character? How would her perfection be a good match for Jacob? He needs somebody who needs him – and not just in a damsel-in-distress kind of way. Bella needed him to show her herself in a way which Edward never could (not to mention, she needed him to ignite a different kind of passion). If you are already perfect, why would you need a Jacob (or anyone, for that matter) around at all?
But I digress…
**
Page 211
OK, I understand the guy is a vampire and so may hold some kind of hypnotic sway over people, but they never say that vampires do that in this book. It is said that the vampires appear unnaturally attractive to humans, but not that the vamps are capable of enthralling we weak-minded people.
So why does Bella fall so hard for Edward, so quickly? By the time he is driving her home from Port Angeles and admitting he’s a vampire, she is obviously already totally gone over him and the fact that he wants to drink her blood almost as much as he wants to touch her doesn’t really even matter.
I have never understood why she falls in love with him and I still don’t, even liking him and understanding him more now that I have read from his point of view. She hasn’t read the story from his perspective, after all.
I remember what it was like to be a teenager, when every emotion you feel seems like the most intense feeling that ever existed in anyone, anywhere. I remember falling in love for the first time, when you can not imagine a life without this person and you forgive him his every flaw (if you can even see them). But her falling so quickly for Edward, before she even knows anything about him and – worse – while he is being incredibly odd to her and his actions and words often come off as downright hostile, still makes little sense.
**
Page 247
Lovin’ it! I keep finding myself peeking down at the page number and happily noting that I still have several pages left.
**
Page 249
How cute that he’s going to fix Angela up with a boy!
**
Page 250
Edward really needs to loosen up. Hold her hand, dammit! Touch her!
**
Page 252
Finally!
Oh and also? Ooh-la-la…
**
Page 262
Damn…only two pages left.
**
Man, how I wish Meyer would finish this book! How unfair that the one book in this series which is technically the least annoying is the one she doesn’t finish. I want to read Edward’s perspective on this entire story!!!
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Hi Karen! So glad your roundabout internet clicking brought you to my blog! I can see that we agree on a lot of points about the Twilight Series...
The creepiness of Edward's stalking was even WORSE in the movie. My imagination pictured it sketchy enough, so I would quickly turn the page and not think about it, but in the movie you have to WATCH him watch her. ugh.
Posted by: Lusty Reader | Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 04:35 PM