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zs_reading_nook's review against another edition
5.0
“If I am the phantom, it is because man's hatred has made me so. If I am to be saved it is because your love redeems me.”
Gaston LeRoux has such an interesting way of narrating the story. The reader gets glimpses of the story from different narratives. Switching narratives from the General Managers’ memoirs to a manuscript left behind by The Persian, the reader gets a well rounded view of the events surrounding The Phantom of the Opera. Truthfully, reading my first classic book since probably high school, it was a bit rough at first. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it.
This story was filled with mystery, suspense, heartbreaking moments, and a lot of hibbie jibbies. All the Phantom wanted was to be loved for who he is. He didn’t go about it the right way, of course, and ended up scaring poor Christine away. The Phantom had become twisted in his thinking and approach to things he wanted from a lifetime of being treated horribly by everyone around him. He was exceptionally smart, and resourceful, though. Inventing mechanisms to serve his goal in gaining Christine Daaé’ love. At first, I was creeped out at the talks of a phantom haunting the Paris Opera House. However, the more I read and learned about The Phantom, Christine Daaé, and Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny the creepy feelings were replaced by a dull heartache. Heartache for all three of them. Their story is truly a tragic one.
I enjoyed the different narratives, and unique way Gaston LeRoux crafted The Phantom and his story.
wuthrinheights's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I rated this 5 stars when I first read it. Rereading it now, I'm only focused on the love part so whenever there were scenes without the Raoul/Christine/Erik trio, I wasn't completely invested. Yes, if I cared more about the other details, this book would've still been 5 stars. But alas.
I still love this book very much, it's still one of my Top 5 Classics. The eerie atmosphere, the music, the constant fear and dread, the intense feelings explored in terms of romantic love and insecurities. I loved every part of the dramatic scenes so much, I could drink it all in happily.
There were also a lot of funny scenes to me that sometimes I'd just howl with laughter. I know I shouldn't laugh but the characters were just so miserable, I couldn't help it. Also reading this with a buddy who's a huge fan made it a much better experience.
The Phantom of the Opera was one of those books where it gets better the more you read on. The world building, getting to know the characters and their complex backgrounds and characteristics. I was sad it ended but also partly relieved because it was so, so intense. Such a fun read though. I'm really happy I got to reread it.
I still love this book very much, it's still one of my Top 5 Classics. The eerie atmosphere, the music, the constant fear and dread, the intense feelings explored in terms of romantic love and insecurities. I loved every part of the dramatic scenes so much, I could drink it all in happily.
There were also a lot of funny scenes to me that sometimes I'd just howl with laughter. I know I shouldn't laugh but the characters were just so miserable, I couldn't help it. Also reading this with a buddy who's a huge fan made it a much better experience.
The Phantom of the Opera was one of those books where it gets better the more you read on. The world building, getting to know the characters and their complex backgrounds and characteristics. I was sad it ended but also partly relieved because it was so, so intense. Such a fun read though. I'm really happy I got to reread it.
leetea1215's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Such a good book!
reggievirus's review against another edition
3.0
I love the movie and I love the theater play, but for some reason I couldn’t really get into the book. I will definitely do a reread but it didn’t grab my attention like I thought it would.
mclizzy6710's review against another edition
2.0
This is going to be one of those times where I say that I liked the movie better than the book. The book is a little bit darker than the movie but what I loved about the movie was all the music and you just don't get that in the book. It was an interesting tale to read though just slower paced and kind of meh overall.
cbarn123's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
tiffanymae2022's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
I admit that I decided to read this book because I just saw the musical again. I love the musical and wondered if the book was as good. I was surprised to see that several elements in the book were also included in the musical. However, the book is much darker and not as coherent. In this case, I thought the musical and even the movie were much better than the book. This book is interesting if you want the back story of the phantom and Christine, but it wasn't as good as I expected it to be. That said, it's worth reading if you are a huge Phantom fan and because it is a good gothic read.