The Phantom of the Opera
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4.2 • 15 Ratings
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Publisher Description
This thrilling novel and its many adaptations have captured the imaginations of countless audiences throughout the 20th century. The mystery classic featuring the ghost of the famed Paris landmark tells a gripping tale of human desire, fear, and violence before it resolves itself in a shocking and tragic confrontation
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The inaugural release in the Horror Writers Association Haunted Library of Horror Classics series will be a revelation to those familiar only with the musical based on the 1910 novel by LeRoux (1868 1927). The tale of a Paris opera house inhabited by a spectral figure with seemingly magical abilities remains genuinely creepy today. Much of the book's power stems from the author's presentation of his narrative as the factual product of his own diligent archival research and interviews with survivors of the phenomenon. This understated treatment means that even his spoiler-laden prologue heightens rather than lessens suspense. A turnover in the management of the opera house coincides with sightings of the so-called Opera ghost and the grim discovery of the hanged corpse of Joseph Buquet, the company's chief scene-shifter. These events are followed by an unexpectedly triumphant performance by Christine Dae , who previously had an undistinguished singing career, which proves to be linked to the phantom. Fans of literate horror, whatever their opinion of Andrew Lloyd Weber, will be gratified.
Customer Reviews
Book vs musical.
After seeing the Broadway musical, I was curious about the book. Knowing that books are most often better than the adaptations, I was ready to see how the book would surpass any Broadway show. Sadly I was disappointed.
This is the one time that the book does not live up to its hype. Raoul is a whining boy, Christine plays hard to get, the Phantom's background becomes convoluted by some narrative by a randomly important Persian introduced only in the last third of the book.
Still, knowing all the movies, musicals, Lon Cheney's and and marketing behind "the phantom of the opera" it's always nice to see the source and say that you read the original text.