Reviews
Incredible
**recommended by Claude A far more expanded and different take on the musical/story. A lot more characters, a history from birth and then after. Was rather long in the middle but the end where the musical comes in onward is definitely my favourite. Honestly a lot of the characters and POVs were great, just one in particular was a little long and just went on for a while... If you're a fan of the Phantom of the Opera I recommend this book :)
** spoiler alert ** I certainly enjoyed the in depth backstory of Erik, and while it was very interesting, intriguing, and exciting to read, I agree with others who have written reviews that once it becomes one with the book and musical, it looses those factors. This is about 75% into the book where this happens which makes it fall from the high five stars. (Spoiler alert if you haven’t read the book or seen the musical?) Switching between characters frequently made it confusing, but also the combination of viewpoints of characters (silent film, Leroux’s book, the musical) all meshed together and it was hard to really wonder if they represented truly each character (specifically for me, Christine). Seeing as I’ve had the multiple viewpoints, it just felt like a muddled mess to me, and I suppose I’m still trying to figure out how I feel about the last portion of the book. Up until that point, it was a very fascinating read as someone who really enjoyed Leroux and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical. It’s a fabulous read if you’re in the same boat- maybe others don’t feel the same way about the ending or last 25% of the book as I do, but at least read the beginning and middle of it for a good adventure into the mind and soul of the Phantom of the Opera.
Such delight. We get to see different stages of Erik's life since his birth and learn what he has learned and done, and where he lived until he becomes the famous Opera Ghost. The book is divided into multiple parts with different POVs. It's never dull. The rhythm of the story is full of detail and emotion. It never disappoints. Not many books make me cry. This was one of them. How I longed for a book like this for a long time. This one has taken the place that Wuthering Heights occupied for years. And Erik is right there besides Heathcliff. I love a villainous and dark main character. The perfect book for Phantom of the Opera fans.
Beyond words... I feel so lucky to have been able to read this book and experience the true magic of this masterpiece..
