The Phantom of the Opera

Rating:
Summary: Great Way To Get Kids Into Phantom
Review: First, this is an adaptation of the original story written by Leroux. It's a good way to get kids interested in the Phantom of the Opera. I read this first, before I read the original novel. And I have to tell you, I read the book in one day! Seriously, for some reason I remember that, and a friend of mine read it in only a few hours. It's a very good book and the pictures are nice, too, wonderful black-and-white ink pictures that go very nicely with the story.

If you want to get your child interested in Phantom of the Opera I would suggest that you have him or her read this.

It's a lot easier to understand than the original novel. And if he or she wants to read the original then, they can. It's a really great book.It explains a lot of stuff that wasn't there in the musical.



Rating:
Summary: "...nothing can hold Erick back, not even Erick himself."
Review: I have always been a huge fan of this type of story. Some of my favorite books are adventures form this era like Orczy's The Scarlet Pimpernel, Hope's The Prisoner of Zenda, and Sabatini's Scaramouche. The swashbuckling genre can really make such fun reads. I was expecting a lot from The Phantom of the Opera because it is so famous since the musical, but while I was entertained, I was a little bit disappointed.

The novel is entertaining. I truly liked the story of the love between Raoul and Christine. The character of the Erik was so intriguing, and Leroux's atmosphere was pretty good. This can be an extremely enjoyable read for many people, especially those who love the musical. I only thought that the author's narrative techniques seemed a little dated. The historian telling the story really detracts a lot of suspence from the story. Also, certain plot aspects aren't lead up to in any way. I mean all of a sudden, there is this brand new character, the Perian, who knows all about Erik and you briefly get his story. It just doesn't make too much sense.

That all said, it was definitely an interesting read. The novel just hit on a few things which happen to annoy me. A lot of people would enjoy this novel, and novels of this genre should not be forgotten.

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing!
Review: I started reading The Phantom of the Opera last night and finished this afternoon. Having seen the recently-released film first, then having followed up by listening to a recording of Webber's famous musical adaptation, I was curious to read the text that had inspired the film and the music I enjoyed so much. The book was an absolute page-turner.

Erik's character is among the most simultaneously compelling and horrifying ones I've read. I love the way Leroux does not treat him as a mere boogie-man, but gives the readers multiple insights to a complex personality. I found myself amused at the Phantom's practical jokes and ingenuity (such as the banknote affair and Carlotta's unfortunate croaking performance), horrified at his vengeance, impressed by his mastery over the secrets of the opera house, and softened by his slavish love for Christine. Should I be repulsed by his evil deeds and dark past or moved to pity? Erik's character is truly one larger than life.

Raoul's character was really my only disappointment. I could not bring myself to like or empathize with him at all and liked Christine less for returning his love. He came across as a spoiled brat who had never been denied anything in his life and cannot comprehend why Christine doesn't throw herself at him whenever he snaps his fingers. He insults Christine cruelly in fits of jealousy and is scarcely less obsessive than the Phantom, but in a sniveling, childish manner. I also hated his refusal consider the Phantom's plight as described by Christine, never allowing pity to soften his desire to kill Erik out of pure jealousy (and he does, indeed, take a gunshot at him when given the chance). It is obvious that the Phantom could have killed Raoul in a heartbeat once within the opera house, but he displays amazing self-restraint when it comes to his rival, especially given his seemingly super-human capabilities.

I would recommend this book to anyone, "Phans" and those with no prior exposure to the story. Perhaps it is not top-notch literature, but a very entertaining book nonetheless. It is an intriguing read with incredible characters, a book difficult to put down and a story difficult to forget!


Rating:
Summary: This Book has it all!!
Review: The discriptive language pulls you into the book, into the Paris Opera House, into the backstage shadows. It forces images upon you of the churchyard, of the spectacular opera performances, of the cellars, of Christine and of the Phantom... Never a dull moment. Suspenceful nights in box 5 and throughout the opera house. Read this and just try not to fall madly in love with the Angel of Music and his dark allure.

Rating:
Summary: A thriller of a romance!
Review: The Phantom of the Opera incorporates mystery, romance, and horror to create a fascinating story that relates to heart and soul.

Don't be fooled by the title of the novel, because it is not only about a scary little phantom that runs around the Paris Opera House, scaring staff, performers, and patrons alike, but a story of love, fate, and the scrutiny of life. The first chapters of the novel are a bit slow for a faced paced reader, but gradually pick up as the novel progresses. As everyone knows the story is set in late 19th century Paris and it's magnificent opera house as the stage, where numerous key scenes take place. Apparently, many performers and staff experience a series of bizarre incidents which become attributed to the "Opera Ghost" a dark, mysterious figure who threatens with violent means if his demands are not met.

The story has three central characters-Christine Daae, the beautiful young opera singer, the Viscount de Chagny (Raoul), who has been in love with Christine since their childhood, and lastly, the Phantom (Erik), who is a horribly disfigured but musical genius, obsessed with winning the affection of Christine which he desires so much. Eric disguises himself as "the Angel of Music," which allows him to gain her trust when his vocal lessons bring out the passion in her voice and the envy of her peers. When his love is turned down and his face is unmasked, the dark side of Eric-a.k.a the Phantom-is revealed to her. This love torn relationship would arise a conflict when Christine, Raoul, and Eric are confronted by their feelings and the understanding that only one man can have her love. In the end, there is a sense of sympathy that is understandable for the pain which the Phantom has endured.

I found Leroux's literary style sometimes confusing, since he alternates writing in the 3rd person (as the omniscient narrator) and the first person--with several different characters telling their own stories. However, a creative use of similes and descriptions instantly create a vision of the events throughout the story, and a touch of comedy here and there help distance all the drama, which can be overwhelming at times. The story is very believable and reputedly based on actual facts that Leroux researched himself. Overall, The Phantom of the Opera is a classic masterpiece and it is no wonder that it was made into a Broadway musical!

"Beware if you venture into his realm beneath the opera house, for you enter a grim and dangerous domain; to step into the phantom's territory is to challenge his will and endanger your life and your sanity. To gaze into the lifeless eyes of death is an eternal horror which will ensnare you forever!"

Rating:
Summary: A thriller of a romance!
Review: The Phantom of the Opera incorporates mystery, romance, and horror to create a fascinating story that relates to heart and soul.

Don't be fooled by the title of the novel, because it is not only about a scary little phantom that runs around the Paris Opera House, scaring staff, performers, and patrons alike, but a story of love, fate, and the scrutiny of life. The first chapters of the novel are a bit slow for a faced paced reader, but gradually pick up as the novel progresses. As everyone knows the story is set in late 19th century Paris and it's magnificent opera house as the stage, where numerous key scenes take place. Apparently, many performers and staff experience a series of bizarre incidents which become attributed to the "Opera Ghost" a dark, mysterious figure who threatens with violent means if his demands are not met.

The story has three central characters-Christine Daae, the beautiful young opera singer, the Viscount de Chagny (Raoul), who has been in love with Christine since their childhood, and lastly, the Phantom (Erik), who is a horribly disfigured but musical genius, obsessed with winning the affection of Christine which he desires so much. Eric disguises himself as "the Angel of Music," which allows him to gain her trust when his vocal lessons bring out the passion in her voice and the envy of her peers. When his love is turned down and his face is unmasked, the dark side of Eric-a.k.a the Phantom-is revealed to her. This love torn relationship would arise a conflict when Christine, Raoul, and Eric are confronted by their feelings and the understanding that only one man can have her love. In the end, there is a sense of sympathy that is understandable for the pain which the Phantom has endured.

I found Leroux's literary style sometimes confusing, since he alternates writing in the 3rd person (as the omniscient narrator) and the first person--with several different characters telling their own stories. However, a creative use of similes and descriptions instantly create a vision of the events throughout the story, and a touch of comedy here and there help distance all the drama, which can be overwhelming at times. The story is very believable and reputedly based on actual facts that Leroux researched himself. Overall, The Phantom of the Opera is a classic masterpiece and it is no wonder that it was made into a Broadway musical!

"Beware if you venture into his realm beneath the opera house, for you enter a grim and dangerous domain; to step into the phantom's territory is to challenge his will and endanger your life and your sanity. To gaze into the lifeless eyes of death is an eternal horror which will ensnare you forever!"

Rating:
Summary: Phantom of the Opera....
Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read! The descriptive language forces the images into your mind of the beautiful opera house, the fantastic opera performances, the backstage shadows, the phantom's death head. You can imagine the phantom all around you; and hear his beautiful voice; the jealousy and rage in him, the love and yearning, desire. This book depicts how love can be, from a strange and intriguing perspective. You can not help but feel atleast sympathetic for the Phantom, his face hides his unique charm and talent from being seen by the public. Read this book, and try not to fall madly in love with the Angel of Music!

Rating:
Summary: An absorbing, haunting love story that was not meant to be.
Review: What I enjoyed most about this book was the simplicity of language and the direct truth of human needs. Erik was physically deformed and sickly. Mostly, he was unloved and cast out from society; he was bigger than just the Opera Ghost. He was society's shame -- a shame they felt that should be hidden and not acknowledged (either out of fear or because of it... you choose). That lack of positive acknowledgement is what makes this book so sad and frustrating. He had love to give, but it was not wanted; he was deemed a creature of horror. But it was really the general attitude of society that was the horror -- not him. The book really echoes the truth that it is what is on the inside that matters, for that is what lasts the longest, and that people should be more open-minded to the mental and physical flaws that either God or Nature or both created. Erik is a symbol not of darkness and the gothic motif, but of light and life and living. If anyone liked this book, they should read Susan Kay's Phantom; it is a good precursor to Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera.