Flew through this book the last few days. I got it because I'm seeing the musical here soon and wanted to actually know the story. Honestly didn't know what to expect because no one talks about the book, it's always the musical and the movie of course. Well, the book was action-packed and so easy to follow. I wish I knew more about the P. of the O.'s back story but it was so entertaining I don't care. It was like taking the vibe and thrill of the Count of Monte Cristo, shortening it, and putting it inside the Paris Opera house. Who else has read it and did you enjoy it?
by Drokkula
26 Comments
It’s my second favorite book ever.
If you can track it down, look into finding ‘Phantom,’ by Susan Kay. It’s very well written, and while not being canon to the original source material, it does create a beautiful and plausible backstory for Erik.
There are quite a few different retellings of PotO, but Phantom is, in my opinion, the best adaptation of the original book.
It was one of my favorites and still gives me a warm cozy nostalgic feeling when I re-read it. It reminds me of why I fell in love with books. The Count of Monte Cristo was another favorite I like to revisit.
I read it a while ago! I’ve always been interested in it, finally got my hands on it and it’s now one of my favourite books ever. Simply splendid.
WORD! I can’t like this post enough. Such a rich, engrossing gothic masterpiece. The imagination involved in making the phantom’s mirror trap and his magician’s tricks is so incredible it has yet to be captured in any film or stage production.
It is a serious classic that is hardly ever mentioned. I love the book! I have probably read it close to 10 times.
I read it, and I honestly need to reread it. I didn’t really like it all too much first time reading it. But that was back in high school and I wasn’t adept in reading. Now that I have some skill, I’ve always looked back at some of the quotes and I feel I would absolutely enjoy it now.
This is a good version I remember hearing on BBC Radio https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-phantom-of-the-opera-197
I love the musical and have always meant to check out the book – this post has inspired me to finally get it!
When i saw the headline i thought of Nightwish 😀
Know what else isn’t talked about enough?
How when writing the musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber stole a noticeable chunk of melody from a Pink Floyd song
It’s talked about exactly as much as it should be.
I loved that book growing up! The story is so immersive and magical!
I love the novel and read it after getting slightly obsessed with POTO in HS. Eric being a semi successful contractor who just went apeshit one day is my favorite thing about him
Yes yes yes. It doesn’t get the love it deserves.
I loved everything about Phantom of the Opera (book, musical, movies) when I was in middle school. I still have my copy of the novel I bought back then. It’s the reason I met one of my best friends. She saw me reading it and struck up a conversation about it in class. So it’s a property I have a lot of nostalgia and fondness for.
Like elliemaeberty said, check out Phantom by Susan Kay if you can. It’s so good, and I also still have my copy of it from middle school.
I’m with you on that! The book is a hidden gem that often gets overshadowed by its more glamorous adaptations. It’s like the Phantom himself—mysterious, underrated, and lurking in the shadows of the musical and movie. I also loved how it blended action and intrigue, almost like the Count of Monte Cristo decided to moonlight as an opera ghost. I was left wanting more about the P. of the O.’s backstory too, but maybe that’s part of the charm—keeping him enigmatic. Anyone else feel like they should have read this with a mask on?
The musical is so good, enjoy.
How timely, I just finished reading it for the first time 2 days ago.
It was a fun gothic horror book. Now I want to see the play.
My sincerest wish as a kid was to go see Phantom at the theatre in Toronto. The year before my class was set to go, the current batch of grads got our school permanently banned from the theater.
I never saw it, then the theater was closed, and the Phantom doesn’t run in Toronto anymore. After that I moved to a city that has sweet fuck all for theater.
I found out about the book two weeks ago, can’t wait to read it, I hunted down a copy at my local used bookshop. I hope it lives up to my lifelong desire to experience Phantom.
I’m currently reading it and I’m loving it! I’ve been a fan of the musical for years and bought a copy in the original French at the Opera Garnier when I visited Paris, so it feels extra special 🙂
If you want, go read Maskerade by Terry Pratchett
I loved this book.
The book builds on a mystery which is sadly simply revealed at the beginning of the broadway show.
I love the Phantom of the Opera but have been more into the adaptations admittedly – not because the book is bad or anything, just simply because I like seeing the visuals. When I bought tickets to see it on Broadway, just hours after I purchased was when they made the announcement that it would go off Broadway. Loved finally getting to see it tho- I’d seen a few stage things already and it was peak!
I shouldn’t chatter too much about the adaptations though. I have read the book, but I was too young, I think. I remember finding it a little confusing? But each time I’ve seen the story, I’ve understood it better (being fr as a kid I think I just like the goth themes and the music but didn’t understand or care about what was actually going on). Sounds like it’s time for a re-read.
What I do recall from the book, that I always found interesting is >!it seems like every adaptation leaves out the character known as The Persian!<.
(I wonder if that actually needed a spoiler tag lol.)
Yes! I loved it. It’s really gripping. The descriptions of the places within the opera house are especially wonderful…and I also think the characters are a little more satisfying in the book than the play.
I also liked some of his mystery novels. The Perfume of the Lady in Black is kind of a classic.
It’s another classic horror novel that’s never had an adaptation that captures its mood. It’s got very funny scenes and obvious satire running throughout it. Kind of similar to 60’s Batman. The humor is what makes all the ludicrous plot elements and melodrama work, but good luck explaining that to Broadway and Hollywood.
I remember being shocked by how funny it was, and every suspense sequence I kept thinking how this would never work if it was played seriously.
Reading this right now – it’s definitely more of a page-turner than I expected!