Helpful Score: 2
This is the original novel. (Befor the Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical) This love story is a gothic tale of obsession,---leading to madness. the author's descriptions of the Paris Opera House are creepy and at the end, you can't help but wonder if this is a true story!
Filled with the color and theatrical spectacle of the Paris Opera House in the nineteenth century, and the ageless fascination of love transformed into murderous obsession, this classic work of mystery and suspense remains a riveting journey into the dark regions of the human heart. The tale begins as an investigation into the strange stories of an "opera ghost," legendary for making the performers at this great Paris art emporium apprehensive when they sit alone in their dressing rooms or walk alone in the building's labyrinthine corridors. Some even think they've seen the ghost in evening clothes moving in the shadows. But it isn't until the triumphant performance of sensual Christine Daae -- and her startling disappearance -- that a sense of dread begins to pervade the dim backstage areas and subterranean passages of the glorious opera house. In an ever-increasing pattern of fear and violence, the Phantom of the Opera begins to strike, but always with the beautiful young singer at the center of his macabre desires. A story that has captured the imagination of audiences in adaptations throughout the century, Phantom continues to thrill audiences to this date as an unparalleled work of sheer entertainment.
Jessica E. (sicaelliott) reviewed The Phantom of the Opera (Signet Classics) on + 68 more book reviews
A must-read.
I am huge fan of the musical, which is the reason I read this book. It really made me appreciate the show even more, because it let me see how well the story translated into a a musical production, and gave me insight as to how and why the composer and directors chose which parts of the story to tell in song form, which parts to change, and how to represent the characters. For instance, one of my favorite scenes in the musical is the first appearance of the phantom behind Christine's mirror, when he seduces her into following him. Reading this scene in the book, I very much enjoyed Leroux's descriptions of the phantom's overpowering and astoundingly beautiful voice, which compels Christine to obey him. It really makes you appreciate how the actors have to transmit this idea of a voice so mysterious and alluring to the audience.
Even if you aren't reading it for a better appreciation of the musical, it's still a great story. I found the descriptions of the backstage of the opera house very interesting, and the characters are well-developed. It's even better if you're willing to put effort into analyzing it; if you read into it enough, you really do get a glimpse of the dark recesses of Erik's obsessions.
Even if you aren't reading it for a better appreciation of the musical, it's still a great story. I found the descriptions of the backstage of the opera house very interesting, and the characters are well-developed. It's even better if you're willing to put effort into analyzing it; if you read into it enough, you really do get a glimpse of the dark recesses of Erik's obsessions.
Kirsten R. (ringwraith10) reviewed The Phantom of the Opera (Signet Classics) on + 40 more book reviews
<3
I love this book... need I say more?
I love this book... need I say more?
Angela T. (angelatres) reviewed The Phantom of the Opera (Signet Classics) on + 72 more book reviews
One of the worst books I have ever read. Hated it...
