The Phantom of the Opera (1910)

The Phantom of the Opera was quite a page-turner, I enjoyed the Gothic elements involved in the novel and the characters were very interesting. You could read my full review of the novel over at my blog: http://www.rulethewaves.net/blog/?p=5159 ( )

I found this hilariously over the top, for the most part, helped by the fact that in one of the versions I read, all emphasis was done by capitalisation. It just made me think of Erik as a troll on the internet, honestly...

It's interesting how much more popular I'm told the musical is, than the book. And the book did badly originally, if I remember that rightly. There is something very dramatic about the book that might be best dealt with on the stage. And, of course, you can't hear the enchantment of Erik's singing, in the book.

It's also interesting how devoid of a hero this book is, at least from my perspective. Christine is central, in that it's her that Erik fixates on, and who Raoul loves. Erik is central, in that he's probably the most fascinating figure of the book, but he's also self-centered and murderous and more like a villain. Raoul is important, but doesn't take much action. The Persian, with his ideas of saving Christine, is perhaps the most heroic, but rather in the background for most of the book. There's not much to hang onto and care about, in terms of characters. ( )

I enjoyed the musical more. "Music of the Night" always gives me goosebumps! ( )

this was fun, well written, and engaging. and a thousand times better and less offensive than the musical production. all of the romanticizing of stalking that the musical does is gone here - he's described as a monster, and while some characters have compassion for him, that's because it's realistic. he's evil because of his past and how his experiences have made him that way, and that's worth feeling compassionate about. and it doesn't excuse his kidnapping of the woman, which is made into some kind of romantic gesture in the play. definitely a good read, and one that exceeded my expectations. ( )

Loved it. Was spooky, atmospheric...the setting, the Opera House, is amazing. I now have to visit there in my lifetime. My most favourite part of the book was when he mentions this old couple, still living in a hidden apartment in the opera house, undiscovered by others! How magical is that?? Imagine living in this incredible building!! Wow!!