eleanor_graceee's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
lovelyliterary67's review
2.0
First, let me say that I love the stage production/adaptation. I’ve seen it several times and it is still one of my favorite musicals.
However, the play elevates Leroux’s story and streamlines a few characters/plot points for the sake of brevity.
As I listened to this audiobook, I was constantly comparing the story to the stage version. And honestly, I found this book lacking in many ways.
The characters were not as likable. They didn’t really have any emotional depth. Everyone seemed really wishy-washy. Everyone except Madame Giry.
However, the play elevates Leroux’s story and streamlines a few characters/plot points for the sake of brevity.
As I listened to this audiobook, I was constantly comparing the story to the stage version. And honestly, I found this book lacking in many ways.
The characters were not as likable. They didn’t really have any emotional depth. Everyone seemed really wishy-washy. Everyone except Madame Giry.
snack_bandit's review
5.0
Technically speaking this wasn't the best book I've ever read, but I just loved it for some reason. I really want to visit the Garnier opera house now. My rating is between 4 and 5 stars. With a better translation, it'll probably be a full 5.
theestherhadassah's review
4.0
Surprisingly not what I was expecting
So, I'm a fan of the film version. I've seen some of the actual opera. But I've not expected the book to be this dark. Obviously, film creators will change a book to fit their vision, but I did not expect so much to be different. While I enjoyed the book, I most definitely like the movie/musical better. But I can now say that I have read the book.
So, I'm a fan of the film version. I've seen some of the actual opera. But I've not expected the book to be this dark. Obviously, film creators will change a book to fit their vision, but I did not expect so much to be different. While I enjoyed the book, I most definitely like the movie/musical better. But I can now say that I have read the book.
mafeladeira's review
3.0
This is what it’s like when you’re a girl on social media and at least one of your followers is a man
whatstiffreading's review
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this story more than I thought I would. I love the Broadway show a lot but I think I love the book even more now. The most interesting person is The Persian.
martulegui's review against another edition
4.0
leer un par d caps para una semana y asi por un mes me hizo medio no entender nada pero muy bueno Aprobamos
littledollreads's review
4.0
I liked this a lot more than I initially thought I would. I said once before, after reading a retelling of this story, that I would be interested in the source material. After reading this I am interested in revisiting that retelling with this new perspective.
This was an intrinsically captivating gothic story that I adored. I loved the tragedy of all of the characters. I had a lot of fun while reading this. There were so many things that would happen and appear to make no sense only to latter be explained in a brilliant way.
A great before bed read that put me back in the mood to explore the classics this summer and delve a bit deeper into the gothic genre.
This was an intrinsically captivating gothic story that I adored. I loved the tragedy of all of the characters. I had a lot of fun while reading this. There were so many things that would happen and appear to make no sense only to latter be explained in a brilliant way.
A great before bed read that put me back in the mood to explore the classics this summer and delve a bit deeper into the gothic genre.
sillyslicker's review
5.0
4.5 stars
Wonderful story about a being who goes to great and terrible lengths to obtain the hand of the woman he desires, while she and her true love try to escape this seemingly mystical presence. The phantom's utter control over an opera house and disregard for human lives makes for an interesting and compelling read. For such a dark romance, this book has quite a few comical scenes involving the new managers of the opera house, which I greatly enjoyed. The story dragged a bit in one particular part, but most of the book was a pleasure to read. I'm glad we were given a reasonable amount of answers by the end, and it makes me sad that the person who gives these answers was cut out of the musical, because I think they added a great deal to the story. I'm very glad to have read The Phantom of the Opera.
Wonderful story about a being who goes to great and terrible lengths to obtain the hand of the woman he desires, while she and her true love try to escape this seemingly mystical presence. The phantom's utter control over an opera house and disregard for human lives makes for an interesting and compelling read. For such a dark romance, this book has quite a few comical scenes involving the new managers of the opera house, which I greatly enjoyed. The story dragged a bit in one particular part, but most of the book was a pleasure to read. I'm glad we were given a reasonable amount of answers by the end, and it makes me sad that the person who gives these answers was cut out of the musical, because I think they added a great deal to the story. I'm very glad to have read The Phantom of the Opera.