We were approached here at TwilightBlog.net by Nancy R. Reagin, editor of the new book Twilight & History, regarding about reviewing the newly released book. I eagerly agreed but remained curious as to what this Twilight book thought it would bring to the already crowded Twilight scene. When I received the book I quickly opened the fresh pages, eager to see if it would be just like all the other Twilight wanna-be books or help-books or if it would stand-alone. Twilight & History distinctly stands alone among a myriad of books that claim to further expand the avid Twis knowledge and perspective of the Saga.
At the beginning of Twilight & History there is a fairly extensive timeline that parallels events in the human and mythical werewolf and vampire worlds. The brilliance of this timeline helps Twis put important events into their proper perspective so that the Saga may be better understood in the proper context. Just a quick glance at the provided timeline gives an instantly greater understanding of context and reasonings within the Saga.
Twilight & History has more to offer than the other Twilight related books out on the market now. Sectioned off into three parts the book first covers the relationships between the three main characters, Bella, Jacob, and Edward, the second is Cullen Family history, and lastly there is some Volturi history. One of the greatest assets to this book is the several analyses of Edward, Jacob, and Bella and different angles of the relationships between the three. While there seemed to be a slight lacking in an opposing position to make it completely well rounded, it was greatly appreciated to have the authors of the analyses explore the questions that people are asking regarding how healthy Bella and Edward’s relationship is. Author Kate Cochran relates Edward and Bella’s relationship to that of Darcy and Elizabeth’s in Pride and Prejudice by saying that: “like all good Byronic heroes, Edward and Darcy feel self-disgust, though it seems to manifest as disgust for their love objects” (17). This is clearly seen throughout the entirety of the Saga, but most often used is the meeting of Edward and Bella in the biology classroom. Judith Leggatt and Kristin Burnett wrote regarding Bella and Jacob and how that naturally, if in a natural world, Jacob was for Bella, however, the mythical aspect of Twilight took Bella away from Jacob. They write: “just as Edward, who in the natural course of things would have died before Bella was born, throws the path of Jacob and Bella’s relationship off course before it can begin, so too does the conquest of North America lead to the relegation and relocation of the Native people…” (28). Sara Buttsworth writes that Twilight is the a-typical fairy tale and that “Bella’s quest for eternal youth and a literal happily-forever-after follows a tradition that has often governed the behavior of youth women in different way through the centuries” (48). Buttsworth closes her analysis of Bella with this final line: “all happily-ever-afters come at a cost, and the price Bella pays is her life” (67). This essay by Buttsworth is very intriguing as she asserts a position not very often seen in the Twilight world, however, she does not seem to be upset with Bella’s choice even though she sees the choice as the undesirable one.
Sections two and three of Twilight & History aim to give the reader a better historical setting and a background history of the members of the Cullen family and the Volturi. This is a noble goal to be sure and is very well done, as any Twi will now better understand the Saga characters and their actions and their mindsets. A deep understanding of the Twilight Saga characters in crucial and these essays further give the knowledge that needs to be known. However, as a historian, some small details seem a little out of place or not entirely accurate, yet, these do not change the message and the story across to the reader. The parallels made with the history to the Twilight Saga, however, is impeccable. Understanding Jasper, Rosalie, Alice, and Carlisle’s positions in life because of when they lived creates a deeper and more meaningful read for the Twilight Saga and Twilight & History gives that greater understanding.
One of the final essays in Twilight & History is written by Eveline Brugger where she talks about “Where Do the Cullens Fit In?” she concludes by reminding Twis that “since vampires don’t exist in the first place, it’s not much of a conclusion to say that Twilight vampires are fictional. It is valid, however, to conclude that vampire history and lore as they are presented in the Twilight series are almost entirely fictional, because not only do they contradict most European vampire myths, they also don’t correlate with general historical events from ancient times to the modern period” (242). This is a brilliant reminder to Twis to not delve too deep with the characters and history as there is a limit, and if Twis dig too deep they may find themselves too out of sorts and confused. Enjoy the history it is loosely connected with and that gives it meaning and move on, it is just fantasy, and a rather good one.
Twilight & History is a fabulous and incredible book that is a must reader for any and all Twi lovers, fans, or die-hards. They will not want to miss out of the analytical reviews of the relationships within the Saga or the further history that can do nothing but extended their knowledge and appreciation of the works that they love. Brilliant job to editor Nancy R. Reagin and the contributors of all the essays found in the book.
via {TwilightBlog}
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