Phantom of the Opera discussion

I'm so glad I found this group! I'll look like a fool, I know, but I didn't even realize there was a book. I always assumed it was only a musical/opera!

Anyway, I'm making it a personal goal to read POTO this coming year, and I hope you all won't mind if I ask questions. I'd even love some pointers and opinions about what to expect.

Thanks in advance.

I knew it was a book :) But I can't wait to see what everyone else says!

I LOVED the musical & the movie..but the "book" really involves you into Eriks life (at least Susan Kay's book) its been WAY too many years since Ive read the "classic original"

It'll be several months before I can begin, but I want to read something most close to the original, if not the original.

Then the one Im almost finished with I highly recommend! III have a review soon for it..but for a "first-time" read Id go with this one its very close to the original..just have kleenix handy.

Thank you! I'm looking forward to your review!

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "I'm so glad I found this group! I'll look like a fool, I know, but I didn't even realize there was a book. I always assumed it was only a musical/opera!

Anyway, I'm making it a personal goal to re..."

I believe you will enjoy Leroux's book and it will give you a great appreciation for its progeny as a result.

It's really important, IMO, to read Leroux before you read any of the other stuff out there. Other people may feel differently, but I think it's the only way to get the real point of what is going on in the story.

Leroux was a journalist, and he had an acerbic wit. POTO is a stinging social commentary about Parisian society and what Leroux saw as its shallowness. He wraps the entire thing in a gothic horror novel (it is NOT a romance). What he does, beautifully, is highlight the social strata of Paris -- and show the logical end-result of a lifetime of bullying in someone who is not accepted there because of something over which he has no control.

Thank you for your opinions and insights, ladies! I'll be at B&N today, with coupon in hand, and see what they've got!

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "Thank you for your opinions and insights, ladies! I'll be at B&N today, with coupon in hand, and see what they've got!"

Their B&N Classics series (small hardback editions of public domain books) had a fairly nice translation. If all else fails, you can read it for free on-line at this link:

http://www.literatureproject.com/phan...

Enjoy!

Thanks, Sharon! I appreciate the link. I love having an ereader and being able to download books to read while cozied up in bed :)

Well, I'm having a tough time deciding which version to get. I have a lot to learn about Phantom. There are several different translations. These are the options for my Sony -

and or ISBN9781102050179

Can anyone tell me which is the better translation?

And I can't find

for the Sony, and just can't afford the $21 for a new book.

I appreciate any help!

Dhestiny..I have 2 copies of Susan Kays book! the 1st version which was my daughters & she left it here..and dosent want it..Id be happy to send it to you! send me your address to in box. The other copy was a gift from my staff last year..which III keep. let me know III get it off to you!

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "Well, I'm having a tough time deciding which version to get. I have a lot to learn about Phantom. There are several different translations. These are the options for my Sony -

[bookcover:The Phan..."

IMO, having read both, the one with the antique cover is a better translation. :-)

Thanks, Sharon. I ended up downloading the free version from .... well, I can't find the link now. I saved in my bookmarks, but it's not there.

I have never been able to finish the story not even when I tried for the sixth time. I don't understand it what so ever. Christine is a spoiled brat to be honest. Raoul cares but not enough. Phantom....no comment.

Catherine wrote: "I have never been able to finish the story not even when I tried for the sixth time. I don't understand it what so ever. Christine is a spoiled brat to be honest. Raoul cares but not enough. Phanto..."

Are you talking about the original version Catherine?
I didnt care for that one at all..I know its a classic..but I like other versions by authors who have put their heart and souls into their own telling.

Yes, I do mean the original version. I should try another version of it. Can you help with the ones I should read instead?

For sure! You can read my review & Anne's there LOVED this book! But have kleenix ready..Erik will break your heart.
This book stays as true as possible to the original "story/theme buts its Erik's story..Im sure the library would have it. I know you can order it as well. Do you like sequels as well?

Thanks Sandi...only one thing...is it clean?

As in..does it have alot of sex? No it dosent,its a very heart-renching story of Erik's life up to when he meets Christine. It really has you see what he went threw as a child,as a man, and understand why he is the way he is..even those who are not "Erik" fans will come away from this book with a better understanding of the man,feel his pain..and *sigh* break your heart.

I got my copy from the library and my library is in a medium sized city. If not, you can ask your library about InterLibrary Loan. Your library will check other libraries to find the book you want.

Thanks both Anne and Sandi for the advice and pointers. I shouldn't read too many heart-breaking stories in a row because other-wise I'll become depressed. Any other books that you really like as in Phantom books?

Catherine, I wrote a Phantom novel titled "The Phantom's Redemption." It is on Amazon and B&N.

You WROTE A BOOK?????? AND GOT IT PUBLISHED???? I FEEL REALLY LOWLY NOW TO NOT HAVE KNOWN THAT BEFORE.

I have a page here on GR.

That's excellent! super!! I can't think of any words to say. You have written a novel which has been published. DO you read reviews about your book a lot? How does it feel?

I just bought it today... I was so excited just to hold it in my hands! Hahaa! I haven't started the story yet but I read the prologue when they are proving the Phantom's real!!! So excited I finally have it!

Half way through! It's amazing so far!!!

Sharon wrote: "It's really important, IMO, to read Leroux before you read any of the other stuff out there. Other people may feel differently, but I think it's the only way to get the real point of what is going..."

I have just finished reading it! But now I'm sad cos I don't know what to do next...

Lois wrote: "Sharon wrote: "It's really important, IMO, to read Leroux before you read any of the other stuff out there. Other people may feel differently, but I think it's the only way to get the real point o..."

Maybe..watch the movie? :)

Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~* wrote: "Lois wrote: "Sharon wrote: "It's really important, IMO, to read Leroux before you read any of the other stuff out there. Other people may feel differently, but I think it's the only way to get the..."

I saw tht first!

I'm reading it and it is pretty slow... but hey it's Phantom of the Opera, what's not to like?

I'm 13, I've had mixed reviews, but am I old enough to read this book?????

Yes you are old enough!!! I think this book is a must read for phantom fans. It's fast paced, exciting, and you better keep the tissues in close proximity....

I feel like people who have only seen the show/ movie are mislead into thinking the book is some sort of sexy "kinky"romance (y'know, the whole kidnapping thing) but its definitely not even close to a sexy romance novel, this book actually has nothing dirty in it at all.

I really want to read it and les miserables

I'm reading les miserables right now. That one you may want to wait until you are a little older. Not for "bad" stuff, but because you really need to understand the political/historical context in order to understand the book, in my experience so far. Phantom of the Opera is very short, whereas les miserables is very very long (not that that's a bad thing tho)

My friend read it and she said it was really good. Yeah, it's really long, but I can read really high above my grade level...just saying. Thanks for the advice, though...

Just make sure you understand the political/historical context so you don't end up just skimming most of the book

Okay...thank you so much...I appreciate that...I can't wait to read the phantom of the opera! And I also want to read phantom by Susan Kay...which should I read first?

Well I despise Susan Kay's phantom so I'm not the best person to ask. Also, that book is not very appropriate for younger fans. I recommend reading the original book first and foremost. Kay's book is...interesting....but eh, I'll let you decide on that one.

Oh no...I didn't mean anytime soon...I kind of want to get into the story first...I've seen the musical and I'm currently working on the movie, but I want to read the book...what is it you don't like about Susan Kay's book?

Sarah wrote: "Well I despise Susan Kay's phantom so I'm not the best person to ask. Also, that book is not very appropriate for younger fans. I recommend reading the original book first and foremost. Kay's book ..."

III agree it is not for younger fans,but I personally really liked her book as I felt it was more in depth into Erik's past/character/ and why he the became who he was. The original book is where the younger fans( and anyone new to POTO)should start though.
Then you can read reviews on Susan Kay's book before you decide Emma.

Okay...I will save that one for high school, but I've heard from somewhere that the original book isn't appropriate for youngish fans...but I'll add it to my summer reading list...

The original is appropriate, don't even worry about it

Okay...it's on my reading list!!!!!

I can't wait to read it...I'll be sure to check it out next time I'm at the library...