Episode 56: “The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner” novella discussion

1. Wray Said,

   Greetings!

   It was entertaining listening to you guys talk around the fact that neither one of you really liked the story

   I started reading it online, but I hate reading on my computer and I have to say it wasn’t that compelling. After listening to you guys talk about the stuff that happens later (the meeting with the Volturi?!) I am going to finish it and let you know. I liked the ideas about how Riley tried to control the newborns by encouraging them to buy into vampire popular culture/mythology. It totally makes sense that a “modern” newborn would already be acquainted with all of that no matter what their background. It also makes sense, given what is stated in Eclipse, that Victoria would not be present or overtly discussed by Riley or the newborns. But we already knew that so it was nothing new.

   You guys brought up in the Eclipse discussion and here the question of whether or not the Volturi were around Seattle as shown in the Eclipse clips (LOL Eclipse clips). Of course they don’t really say specifically, but it is implied that Aro would love to break up the Cullens (as you said) to weaken them and possibly collect more special talents particularly Edward and Alice, but it would be a win-win with many possibilities. Edward does mention that he had seen how much Aro had wanted it when they were in Voltera. Anyway, Edward does suspect that they were close (but not interfering) for a reason and his suspicions were confirmed when he talks to Jane at the end. I had to look it up, but he suggests to Jane that it was a pity they arrived just late enough not to be of help and then reads her mind (p577). As to whether or not the Volturi care about someone else doing their job, my opinion is that they seem to encourage cleaning up ones own backyard. From Jasper’s backstory I got the impression that they only come out as a last resort and their interference is brutal as a way to discourage things from getting out of control. They knew that the Cullens would have to act sooner or later both to prevent themselves from being exposed and to keep the Volturi away from Forks. I’m sure the Volturi know that no one really wants a visit. It does however, take quite a while for the Cullens to figure out what exactly is going on, and if it weren’t for Jasper, the idea of a Newborn Army might not have come up. Of course, as usual, it’s Bella who figures out a crucial piece of the puzzle…

2. Marina Antunes Said,

   The implications of bringing the Volturi to Seattle are interesting but I honestly can’t figure out what the real point of that implication is. I’m almost certain it ties into BD down the line but it’s been so long since I read the novel I can’t recall how or why it fits in. Another unanswered question to consider when we get there.

   Looking forward to your thoughs on the novella when you finish it Wray!

   “f course, as usual, it’s Bella who figures out a crucial piece of the puzzle…” Our girl Bella!

3. Sia Said,

   Well that sucks ! Because I really enjoyed this book. I love your review and it was well thought out but I’m disagreeing with you guys. And it’s great we all have different view points but I would love for once to actually be on the same page with you.
   I think it could of been longer and I did agree with one or two things that was said so I’m pretty excited about that
   And I understand you have to have critical views on this book or anything in this franchise but were are the positives ? .
   And I have a feeling you guys don’t come around the fan oriented things. A lot of people are actually excited about Breaking Dawn if you were on the face book page or the bigger Twilight sites you would know this. And their are others who don’t like the book which is fine but it’s great we actually get to live in this world a little bit longer.
   Anything Bree Tanner Stephenie explains all that during her fan interviews. And I’m pretty sure she answers all your questions.
   Thanks !

4. Sia Said,

   And I loved Breaking Dawn and I’m so excited it’s going to be two movies. I know it sucks for you guys and I’ve listened to you complain for a year over it and well it’s being made and i don’t think it’s worth all the complaining but that’s just me.

5. Wray Said,

   Okay, I finished reading ‘Bree Tanner’ and I have a few brief comments. Well, I hope they’re brief

   Still agree that it wasn’t that interesting a choice of ‘narrator’ in Bree. It was sad, and a good look at the newborns, but we did have some of that in Jasper’s story. His, however, was a “winner’s” view. He survived and Bree did not. So it was nice to emphasize that in a situation like that these people had their choice taken away to play as pawns in a larger game of chess.

   Very interesting that Jane met with Victoria! I imagined that they were watching from a distance, checking out what the Cullens would do… I have a theory. I think that Jane acted on her own in Seattle, to meet with Victoria, to encourage the attack, to move up the decision. We know now that Jane hates Alice specifically. That could only be because Aro values Alice’s ability above others. Aro is the collector here, and up ’til now, Jane has held a special place within the Volturi. Jane sees that this could all change if the Cullens are not weeded out, especially Edward, Alice, Jasper and Bella. Apparently Aro has allowed Jane to look into the situation in Seattle on her own (with her usual entourage), but when Jane gets there, she forms a new plan. All of the Volturi probably see the Cullens as a threat, not only to their power, but to their lifestyle, so that in BD it only took a rumor to get the Volturi all riled up. I would imagine that it was easy for them to dismiss Carlisle’s “strange ideas” at first, but when the clan grew…

   I wouldn’t say that I loved the novella. I felt I already knew much of what was to come; however, when I watch the previews of Eclipse, I get more excited whenever I see the newborns because I feel like I know them now. So I guess it added something to the excitement of the upcoming movie.

6. Marina Antunes Said,

   Sia – differing opinions is always a good thing – I’m happy to hear you still enjoyed the show. As for not coming around to “fan” reactions, speaking for myself at least, I do, I’m just a bit more reserved about all of the excitement. I haven’t read Breaking Dawn since it was released and my memories of it are mixed. I certainly liked a few things (the wedding, Isle Esme and even a bit of the action) but overall, I didn’t love it as much as I love both Twilight and Eclipse. I look forward to re-reading it and seeing what comes out of the production.

   Wray – I agree with you completely about Jane acting on her own. That was my feeling too that there’s a bit of jealousy or maybe even a hint of worry that she’ll be replaced as Aro’s favourite. She certainly comes across as one that would do whatever necessary to get her way.

7. Wray Said,

   On a completely different note, I just watched “The Summer House” trailer you posted – finally, I know. So, do you think it’s related to Pattinson’s casting in Bel Ami? He looks like he could play a great cad! Have you all seen the cast of Water for Elephants? James Frain, Christoph Waltz, Hal Holbrook – can’t wait to hear more! Explains the haircut, since it’s set in the ’30’s.

8. Marina Antunes Said,

   Could be though honestly, I don’t always know what they’re thinking when they cast certain individuals in certain roles. He does have a classic playboy look to him.

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