Edward’s version of the story may not have provided me the tips and tricks of dealing with a pandemic that I was hoping for in Midnight Sun, but he certainly provided me with a trip back in time to 2008 when I was first introduced to Twilight. If you just want to escape back to Forks, this is the book for you.
THE SYNOPSIS
When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.
This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?
In Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer transports us back to a world that has captivated millions of readers and brings us an epic novel about the profound pleasures and devastating consequences of immortal love. from Goodreads.
MY THOUGHTS
I borrowed an e copy of this book from the library (thank you library!) and giggled as I flipped the pages open. I was headed back to Forks! I am a reluctant Twilight fan. No, that’s not quite right. If I were being honest; I enjoy the whole ridiculous thing even if I don’t want to like it. I embrace the ludicrousness of the story and mock Bella’s utter lack of goals and ambition beyond keeping her sparkly boyfriend. Twilight is my Bachelor. I don’t understand watching The Bachelor (why are they competing for that one guy??) but I understand tuning in to drama that isn’t real. None of this is to be taken seriously. Please don’t take it seriously. With that in mind, and while acknowledging that I will always be Team Jacob, I was pretty excited to escape back to the land of Vampires and Werewolves and the clumsiest human being on the planet.
First of all, this is the exact same story as Twilight. People are out there talking about additional conversations between Edward and Bella but the whole plot is the same. I was half way through the 675 pages when I laid down the book and thought, “Is this seriously just a re-telling of the first book?!?” I mean, couldn’t Meyer at least have given us Edward’s thoughts through the whole arc of the series? But, no, this one is completely focused on their meeting and falling in love. By the time they got to the baseball game I was feeling less escaping-from-reality and more trapped-in-a-loop.
Furthermore, the book promises, “…fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts..” I don’t know about you all but I really thought “Edward’s past” meant his pre-vampire years but this book is more focused on Edward’s vampire years before he met Bella. If you are hoping (as I was) to hear a little more insight about the 1918 pandemic this is going to be a let-down. However, there are loads of things I didn’t know about Edward that are disclosed. These details helped round out the character for me in a way that was surprising and interesting. As for the inner thoughts – I did mention that it is a 675 page re-telling of Twilight didn’t I? There are inner thoughts for days and days.
Some of Edwards thoughts were the kind that we would expect. His growing awareness of Bella, his struggles with his burning thirst, and his eventual all-consuming love for her. But beyond that, this book really helped develop Bella into a more fully realized person. She may not have any goals outside of Edward but she is kinder, smarter, more intuitive, and more caring that I gave her credit for through all four earlier books. Meyer also used Edward’s perspective to me answers I had long had about Charlie, Renee, and Jacob. Characters I didn’t understand or hated were completely rebuilt for me through Edward’s insight. And, of course, this book really cemented Edward’s ultimate dilemma about his future with Bella.
Several things that work in the original books from Bella’s perspective don’t work in Midnight Sun. There is a world of difference between an innocent 17 year old high school girl and a whatever-the-heck-age old vampire with two medical degrees. Here in lies the magic of Twilight, for me. It isn’t romance, it’s ridiculous! I wanted that special brand of escapism that Meyer provides and Midnight Sun gave me everything I hoped it would (and more).
Tell me, please! What do you think is the creepiest thing Edward does to Bella?
Silver Button Books 