The Phantom of the Opera
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4.4 • 35 Ratings
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- $1.99
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- $1.99
Publisher Description
The story of a man named Erik, an eccentric, physically deformed genius who terrorizes the Opera Garnier in Paris. He builds his home beneath it and takes the love of his life, a beautiful soprano, under his wing.
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
Conner. OWENS
Book Tell. Music video
It’s a classic for a reason!
When I read this book, I liked it right away. I never became a huge fan the way some readers have, but I enjoyed the story. The language Gaston Lereaux uses in telling the tale is beautiful and poetic, making this eerie tale of terror, unrequited love, and obsession utterly haunting. I have seen three different film versions of this book, my favorite being a horror movie from 1989 or 1990 with Robert Englund as the title character, but none of them even touch the potent power of this extraordinary book. Very suspenseful, very scary, very passionate!
Just great!
My enchantment with the Phantom of the Opera has been somewhat weird. I attended the play twice but understood nothing. The second time my son was so attracted by the theme and read the sequel. Since then I committed myself to read the book before going for a third try to understand the play. It worked.
Gaston Leroux guided me though a fascinating underground world of the theater. I was amazed how you can live in many landscapes, and places that extends beyond the physical limits of the building. Just what the scenography does in the theater.
The description of the feelings of Erik led me to reflect on the impact of love, or no love, in humans.
This book is a classic worth reading.