The Phantom of Manhattan

Rating:
Summary: too contrived? maybe
Review: I am writing this review as a fan of Frederick Forsyth's novels, not as an avid or thoroughly knowledgeable theatregoer or Phantom devotee. Compared to his other novels, Phantom of Manhattan stands out because it is extremely fast-paced. It is by far his shortest book and it is a quick read. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different narrator who happens to play a role in the development of the story, sometimes pivotal and sometimes merely observational. What Forsyth does with the Phantom character and the story in this book may or may not be true to the original novel and what people think of when they think of the Phantom, but I thought what Forsyth did was enjoyable for its own sake, even if it might be too superficial and too contrived in some respects. Simply what he chooses to do and how he takes the reader there was enough for me for the book to be worth the short amount of time required to read it. The Phantom of Manhattan is by no means Forsyth's best book, but it's not his worst either, and readers familiar with Forsyth from his other works will probably enjoy how he takes up the Phantom elements and creates an interesting tale in line with Forsyth's fiction regarding his take on human nature and human drama.

Rating:
Summary: Love conquers all!
Review: It is 12 years since 'The Phantom of the Opera.' Erik is in New York, successful and wealthy. But he still pines for Christine. He has restored the Manhattan Opera House and calls for Christine to sing there. She arrives in New York, unbeknownst that Erik was the one who sent for her. She also brings with her a secret. A secret that will reunite the two of them one last time. A secret that proves love conquers all.

Forsyth's novel is excellent. He writes Erik just I would like to see him after the Opera House; with his hatred of people, loathing of himself, and love for Christine. He captures it all. And makes this one of the best sequels I have ever read. If anyone is looking for closure from the original novel, look no further. 'The Phantom of Manhattan' is wonderful. A must-have for any Phantom lover.

Rating:
Summary: I think Gaston Leroux is rolling in his grave!!
Review: What were Forsyth and Webber thinking when they conjured up this idea and story?? When I first bought this book, it was against my better judgement. I knew after reading other Phans' reviews from various websites about how lousy the book was, I should have never even laid eyes on it. Did I listen? NOoooo!
It says on the front of the cover at the bottom: "The stunning continuation of the timeless classic "The Phantom of the Opera." I think someone should have thrown one of Erik's punjab lassos onto the whole idea and yanked it off Mr. Forsyth's desk.
In Gaston's original book, we find out that Erik died of a broken heart. But not before he goes to see his old friend, the Persian, and emotionally relates the story of how he set Christine free to marry Raoul -- because she had shared the Phantom's sorrow and cried with him. So, our beloved Phantom is dead.
Now, I have no problem with bringing the Phantom back to life in another story. But, if you are going to do so, would you mind making sure that your own story doesn't contradict the original or even the musical that was based on it?
Also, give your characters some emotions and feelings, please. Gaston's characters had expressed themselves with many tears, plenty of anger, joy and happiness. The characters in this so-called sequel, hardly had any emotions to speak of. They were just cardboard characters.
And for pity's sake, if you're going to write in a death scene for one of your major characters, please don't be so abrupt about it! Gaston devoted an entire chapter called:
"The End Of The Ghost's Love Story" when the Phantom was dying from his broken heart. It was one of the most emotional chapters I had ever read!

Thank goodness "Phantom of Manhattan" was never made into a musical. It would have never made it past Broadway.