Finishing "Eclipse" was a relief to me. At this point, I am little over Bella and her twisted relationship. I don't call it twisted because he's a vampire. I call it twisted because she turns too often to guilt-tripping and codependent behaviors. Even the boys' manipulating turns me off.
I don't like how Bella thinks she has power over everyone else's feelings; none of us does. We are all responsible for our own. And all this "I can't live without you" talk is too sappy and nonsensical. Is the author trying to paint a relationship based on "true love"? If so, I think she needs a lesson on it herself. (Not that I know exactly what it is, but it seems like it's less clingy than what's pictured here.)
Another point: I am glad Bella is beginning to glimpse the real repercussions of what might happen if she becomes a vampire. I am surprised that that is not addressed more deeply -- or has not yet been. This willingness to give up her humanness, her "natural" soul, her family, all she knows, for this one man again hints of codependency.
On brighter notes: I am glad to see the author is improving in describing action scenes. In her past books, she's just skipped over them, beginning chapters with Bella waking up after all the action has taken place. And I liked the description of how the werewolves came to be. That story might even make up a novel all its own.
I am somewhat interested what will happen to Bella, Edward and Jacob in the future. But I am not holding my breath.
Final point: When Bella is menstruating, do you think Edward and the rest of the Cullens avoid her? Why has not the author delved into this?
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Claude Monet
Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir created beautiful paintings of women reading...both called "La Liseuse" (the reader). This National Book Club, founded in September, 2005, will honor this passion for reading.
La Liseuse
Claude Monet
Les Liseuses book list
- The Hunger Games
- The Angel's Game
- The Princess Academy (Danielle W)
- Little Bee (Michelle)
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Katie)
- Columbine (Danielle P)
- The Shack (Danielle P)
- Can't Wait to Get to Heaven
- The Gospel According to Larry
- The Alchemist
- Three Bags Full
- The Wednesday Wars
- Northanger Abbey
- Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!
- Crow Lake
- The Kite Runner
- Eat, Pray, Love
- Jane Eyre
- Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
- The Book Thief
- These Is My Words
- Eclipse
- The Stranger
- A Girl Named Zippy
- A Train to Potevka
- Twilight
- Second Glance
- Fablehaven
- The Persian Pickle Club
- 1632
- Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo
- The Giver
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- My Sister's Keeper
- Peace Like a River
- The Good Earth
- The Red Tent
- On Basalisk Station
- Sarah Plain and Tall
- The Confessions of Max Tivoli
3 comments:
Danielle,
Your review was the first I've read to really blast Bella, as well as Meyer for creating her.
I have to admit I had such "willing suspension of disbelief," that I didn't even look at Bella's "I can't live without him" attitude as an example of an unhealthy, co-dependent relationship.
People in healthy, loving relationships DO depend on each other. They PREFER to live life with, rather than without, the person they truly love. They make COMMITMENTS to honor each other more than father, mother, friends, etc. SO, the question is whether or not Bella's feelings for Edward are self-destructive and unhealthy.
I think an argument could be made on both sides of this question. I think I'll reserve judgment until the series reaches its conclusion. Thanks for an interesting review.
I agree with Karen that the can't live without you talk is not nonsensical. Though I do think that Bella and Edward are too possessive and controlling of one another. Edward tries not to be but he is. Bella doesn't even try not to be but that's because she is younger. I am interested to see how Meyer resolves the relationships.
I think for me the fantasy of the whole situation helps me to suspend belief too and enjoy the book more.
I am not holding my breath either. I am finally un-warped out of Forks mind set.
I agree with Karen that it's hard to differentiate between co-dependency and true love. That hole in Bella's heart while Edward was gone, it's a real thing. Maybe not as horribly painful as she described, but real nontheless when you can't be with the one you want so badly.
Post a Comment