After several rejections, the novel that would transform a reading generation was recognized. Twilight, a supernatural romance about a human girl and a century old vampire boy, is the first book in Stephenie Meyer's wildly successful and popular Twilight series. Twilight has sold millions worldwide, been translated into more than fifty languages, and continues to be a topic of conversation among teens, parents, and the media.
The World of Twilight
The setting for this fantasy romance takes place in one of the rainiest and overcast cities in America: Forks, Washington. The small, obscure town is the perfect hiding place for families who have secrets to keep.
In Forks readers are introduced to three important families: The Swans, The Cullens and The Blacks. Charlie and Bella Swan are father and daughter, but they have an awkward relationship. Bella, like her mom, detests Forks and would rather live anywhere else. However, when her mom remarries, Bella decides she must sacrifice her Arizona sun for the gloomy haven of her father’s home in Forks.
The Cullen family is led by Dr. Carlise Cullen and his wife Esme. Other members of the family include Jasper, Rosalie, Alice, Emmet, and Edward. The Cullens are considered unique among other clans of vampires because they choose to live among humans and feed on animal rather than human blood. The townspeople of Forks view the Cullens as a close knit family who prefer to keep to themselves.
Billy and Jacob Black are descendants of the ancient Quileute tribe. Billy has told Jacob that the wolves are their brothers. He also shares with him legends about peace treaties negotiated between tribal elders and the "cold ones". The Blacks are to protect their land and other humans from vampires. The Cullens are not allowed on reservation land.
As Bella and Edward dare to move forward in their forbidden love, tensions between all three families will surface and be fully developed in books two and three in the Twilight series.
Star-Crossed Romance: The Twilight Story
Seventeen –year-old Bella Swan was used to being the awkward girl who nobody noticed in Arizona, but when she moves to gloomy Forks ,Washington to live with her dad she attracts immediate attention. Bella is uncomfortable with all the attention and is miserable in her new environment until she becomes aware of the handsome and aloof Edward Cullen.
Bella’s first contact with Edward occurs in Biology class when the two are assigned to be lab partners. However, Edward’s first reaction to Bella’s presence is intense dislike and repulsion, which Bella later learns is an unexpected and intense thirst for her blood.
Edward is determined to conquer his desire to harm Bella and in the course of getting to know her finds himself falling in love. Bella, too, is attracted to Edward and although she senses he is dangerous, she is willing to do whatever is necessary to be with him.
The two begin a relationship that is full of danger, conflicts, and warnings. Edward is worried that he will lose control and hurt Bella. Billy Black watches the budding romance and warns Bella to stay away from Edward. A rogue vampire discovers Edward's strong connection to Bella and creates the ultimate threat to their relationship.
Readers are swept along in this romantic roller coaster of suspense and drama and are left at what Edward calls an "impasse". Can Bella and Edward continue their star-crossed romance? Meyers answers that question throughout the next three books in the series.
Twilight: Author Stephenie Meyer
Author Stephenie Meyer was a suburban stay-at-home mom when she had a dream that would alter the course of her life. To learn how her dream became the book Twilight, read my article Spotlight on Author Stephenie Meyer.
Twilight Warning: Mature Content
Twilight is a dark fantasy read. It is a story about a human girl drawn into a supernatural world with creatures who drink blood and have strength and abilities that can lead to violence. Twilight is also a romantic read and teens who enjoy stories about star-crossed lovers and forbidden romance will find that this book fulfills every expectation. It is a story that prolongs romantic suspense teasing readers through four books and several hundred pages.
Warning: Some parents may find the romantic theme of this story and the actions of the two main characters to be inappropriate for younger readers. For example: Edward spends nearly every night in Bella's bedroom without her father's knowledge. While there is no sexual activity taking place in the book, some parents may feel that Edward’s and Bella’s quest to be together borders on obsession and is sending improper messages about romantic relationships to readers. Parents should also be aware that as the series progresses, the romantic interactions between Bella and Edward escalate and intensify and the fight scenes between vampires and werewolves become more graphic.
Due to the mature themes of romance and violence in this book, I would recommend Twilight for teens 14 and older. (Little, Brown and Company, 2006. ISBN: 9780316015844)