Title: The Phantom of the Opera
Author: Gaston Leroux
Genre: Gothic fiction
Plot: At the Palais Garnier, there are rumors of a ghost causing accidents. He is the Opera Ghost. A mysterious accident cause the leading soprano, La Carlotta, to leave. She’s had enough and storms out during a dress rehearsal. This propels a chorus girl, Christine Daae, into spotlight. He taught Christine to sing when she came to live in the dormitory attached to the Opera after her father died. The Opera’s new patron is the viscount de Changy, Raoul. He and Christine were childhood sweethearts. He hears her sing on stage the night after La Carlotta leaves. Raoul goes to meet her after the show. They rekindle their relationship. The Opera Ghost starts emerging from the shadows. He sends letters to the theater management and actors to tell them his demands. The managers ignore his demands in order for La Carlotta to return. The Opera Ghost retaliates with his harsh punishments. La Carlotta is embarrassed deeply when she starts croaking on stage. The Opera Ghost drops a chandelier on the stage and whisks Christine away to his secret layer. There, Christine learns of the Opera Ghost’s past and what lies under his mask. The Opera Ghost releases Christine a few days later. Raoul proposes to Christine. They keep it a secret for as long as they can. Somehow the Opera Ghost finds out and kidnaps Christine. Raoul tries desperately to find Christine. A regular to the theater, called the Persian, promises to take Raoul to Christine and the Opera Ghost. But will he get there in time? Can he get past the Opera Ghost’s traps? Will Christine stay with the Opera Ghost? Or go with Raoul?
Rating: 3.8 – a more in depth look at the world renowned play
Opinion: The style of the book was older so it took me a little bit to get into. I’d seen the movie version of the play and fallen in love with that. Then I got the privilege to see they play. I was glad to learn more about the characters in the play and movie. It was interesting to learn that the Phantom had a name, Erik. The Persian confused me at first. Since he wasn’t included in the play or movie, it upset me for a little bit but I was curious to learn how they took his part in the book and wove it into the movie and play. I enjoyed the book and fell in love with the characters all over again. I noticed all of the parts from the book that the movie included. The play included a couple nods from the book, too. Although the style of the book is different than what I’m used to, I enjoyed this book. I loved the book for the more in depth learning about the characters from the movie and play. There were plenty of changes in the movie and play, but I was okay with that. It was more dramatic in different ways and I enjoyed that. If you want to know more about the beloved play and its characters, then I high recommend reading this book.
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