Yes, yes. I like the musical. But now I can say that I also like the book.
I started reading this with the expectation that it would be mediocre. But I actually really enjoyed it! I’m going to compare it to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical for a bit so please forgive me.
I found that the first half of the musical was very loyal to the first part of the book. It was actually quite amazing how much they followed the story! The second half of the musical goes quite a bit off track but I can see why.
The book was actually a lot darker than the musical. I liked that about it though. I always love a gothic story. The book had really alluring mood… I don’t know how to describe it hahah.
Unsurprisingly, I found that the book privileges the male perspective a lot more than the musical. Christine was a bit more of a passive character, but at the same time I think her story was still very interesting.
The whole concept of the story is really great in my opinion. Like, the Opera Ghost, the Angel of Music, et cetera. I would really like to read more books with a similar vibe to this one! If any imaginary blog readers have recommendations please tell me!!
Something that was fascinating about the novel is that is is based on a true story. The Opera Ghost was supposedly a real thing. I really like historical fiction so I was pretty excited about that — maybe one day I will go do research on the actual thing.
In my opinion the Opera Ghost was really morally grey in the novel, even more so than in the musical. In a way I think he was dehumanised at some points, but like also… I don’t think Musical Erik hardcore tortured people. I guess the two different Eriks were written for different audiences.
Why do I sound like I’m writing an analytical English essay?
So yeah. I really really liked this book. I thought it was well written and very engaging. Usually I think classics are “meh” but this one was actually great!! (Also I know The Phantom of the Opera is not a classic classic.)
I was very happy that I read this! I actually dressed up as Erik for a trivia hahahaha I looked horrifying. I won a prize for best dressed though so it was worth it.
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, 14+* ★★★★.75
*This age recommendation is only my opinion. Some younger people might feel comfortable reading this book, and some older people might not. That's fine, either way. Warning for medium-level descriptions of torture.
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