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Summary: Simply the most engaging book I have ever read!
Review: "Phantom" by Susan Kay brings the infamous character of Erik to life. She gives him a background which is poignant and believeable. To read this book is to fall in love. Erik becomes a part of your life. You will see things through different eyes. I will not see the play. I don't want his image changed. Nothing could live up to this experience.
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Summary: "None of us can choose where we will love"-All love'Phantom'
Review: Yes, I realize that I am the first reviewer not to give Susan Kay's outstanding book 'Phantom' a perfect '10' -please don't throw tomatoes Phantom Phans! *duck*- but that is a reflection of my severe reviewing style and not meant to throw any fault on Kay's novel. Actually I have never given a perfect '10' to any book (even to my all-time favorite) and in fact I believe that Susan Kay's writing is worth a 9.5.(but Amazon only gives you the choice of a '9' or '10' sooooo....) Grading aside,by far Susan Kay's 'Phantom' is the best interpretation of the 'Phantom of the Opera' incarnation yet written. She spins out a very human retelling of the myth of the 'Opera Ghost' and adds a new dimension to the story by delving into Erik's (aka 'The Phantom') life before the famous events portrayed in Gaston Leroux's 'The Phantom of the Opera'. 'Phantom' is definately a 'must have' for anyone who enjoys the story of The Phantom of the Opera or for anyone simply in search of a book that will grab and hold your attention from the first few pages. While 'Phantom' can stand on its own as a novel,it acts as a great suppliment to the original by Leroux,filling in many of the details left sketchy by the original. I believe that Kay's story must be read to fully experience and gain a true perception of the of the tragedy in the Phantom's life.The only complaint I have against the book was that it wasn't long enough! ;) Even at 400 pages I zipped through 'Phantom' in 2 days and was sorrowful when it was over! As Erik could not help but fall in love with Christine,readers can't help but fall in love with 'Phantom'! Choose to read Kay and fall in love with Erik's character all over again.
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Summary: The brightest gem in a sea of diamonds! i.e. best book ever
Review: This book tells the life story of Erik, who is destined to become the Phantom of the Opera. It was impossible for me to put this book down, and when it was over I fell in love with the Phantom all over again. Kay has an excellent writing style, descriptive with extensive use of metaphors and such, yet very easy to understand. I was not for one moment bored. Kay truly captures Erik's character, which many writers have failed to do. Also, the story is told for many points of view, an excellent technique. After one reads this story, they will understand the Phantom and his motives more fully. A Literary Masterpiece
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Summary: Best 'Phantom' related book ever
Review: This one's the best. It tells more of the hint of humanity Erik showed at the end of the original story.This tells his life story from day one to his death. As you read it, you begin to really care about him. Told for POV's of his mom,himself,and others he interacts with makes it unique. ANY Phantom fan should read this one
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Summary: Simply the best!
Review: Susan Kay's "Phantom" sheds light onto a subject too often ignored in other interpretations. She delves deep into Erik's past daring the reader to believe the unbelievable- a human being is shunned by society because of his face. This telling of Erik's life gives the reader more insight into what makes Erik "tick." Through this book the reader will no longer regard Erik as a monster, "twisted every way," but as a human being misunderstood by society.
This book is quite possibly the best re-telling of the story, "Phantom of the Opera," and by far surpasses the original. I commend Susan Kay for this literary masterpiece.
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Summary: Phantom is no ghost of a story
Review: When I read this book for the first time, it was like all my prayers for the perfect Phantom of the Opera novel were being answered. In my opinion, this spectacular piece of fiction far surpasses the original by Gaston Leroux. It answered questions that original had left unanswered and it touched me very deeply. The depth and intensity of the characters was amazing and it's a wonder that Kay isn't a very well known author. From the very first page you will not be able to stop reading. A definate suggestion for all Phantom of the Opera fans
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Summary: A fleet of 10's!!!
Review: Two years ago I picked this novel off a convenience store rack to pass the time, while preparing for a flight to a beautiful vacation spot I'd never been to, and found that nothing else mattered but finishing "Phantom" by Susan Kay. I forbore eating and eyepopping tourist attractions--anything to reach the end. The vacation spot,...was Honolulu Hawaii.
Sincerely,
Christopher Cochrane
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Summary: Compelled and quite tired,I could never put this novel down.
Review: It all starts off with the birth of a monster-child, a mother's denial of his existence and his quest for acceptance. Once entering the walls of this book, a reader is transported into the world of a Phantom. From his gripping birth into this world, to his obsession for a young opera singer named Christine; the story is spell-binding. Not only does this story prove we can be a superficial society and that the phantom, a skeleton-like person who wears a mask to hide his deformities, full of his own personal torment can learn to love and maybe be loved in return. As I said before, a person is transported into a different world, a world of wonder, of magic, and of love. One cannot summarize what this novel does to a person, but you leave this novel with a change of heart. The Phantom, Erik, is now given a flesh and blood portrait instead of his monster image that some believe him to be. This novel will remain in your heart; forever haunting and timeless
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Summary: Couldn't put it down!!
Review: When I read this book a few years ago, I just couldn't stop reading it. The depth of the characters was overwhelming. It took some of the mystery out of the story, but added more depth to the feelings
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Summary: Honestly the best fiction I've ever read!
Review: Not only does susan kay bring the charcters of the story to life, but the reader can understand what moves them to do what they do. By the end of the book the reader laughs with, cries with, and loves, each and every person in the book. The devastation that Eric experiences growing up into manhood makes the reader endeared to him,
and I believe every women can understand Christens fears and confusion about love.
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