rodrigolima's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
averyadventurous's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t remember ever not being obsessed with The Phantom of the Opera. It all started with the 2004 film version of the musical and went downhill from there. I love this tale in every iteration. This book, the musical, the Universal Monsters film. It’s so atmospheric and enchanting and emotional. It gives you a villain that you have no choice but to hate and love simultaneously with poor, unhappy Erik. Even this book which is wild and all over the place and loves to give detailed explanations of the architecture of the Paris Opera House is gorgeous because Gaston Leroux created something that became much bigger than I’m sure he ever imagined it could.
andybeagle333's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Did not love. I'm sure if I read this in school and had additional commentary and discussion I would have liked it more
221bpinkst's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kimberly_b's review against another edition
5.0
I have read this book so many times and I never tire of it. It's an incredible story and it sucks me in every time. Regardless of whether you have seen the play, this book is a must-read.
acciohannah's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.75 stars
Another “Christmas prep” book, again not Christmas themed, but I will be visiting Paris and the Palais Garnier while on my holiday in Europe.
This book surprised me. As an avid fan of the musical/films, it fascinated me that this story is posed more as a mystery, and is far more convoluted and still distinct than the other adaptations.
This is a story not meant to be romanticized. The villain here is so much more complex than I’ve ever seen him betrayed, and he requires both pity and disgust in equal measure. His actions aren’t meant to be forgiven, he is violent and cruel. Erik is twisted and truly evil, and thank god, the heroine here does not fall for his act, this I found to be refreshing among so many “dark romance” stories.
I also find it interesting that this is truly the monster’s story, not Christine’s, and Christine is relatively strong in her own right which again is a surprise.
Though I felt it had pacing issues and was a bit lengthy, I really enjoyed this one.
bergamote's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
hecatesaconitum's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0