Gina L. (Fanatic) reviewed on 12/21/2008 + 27 more book reviews

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.

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