PHANTOM

Rating:
Summary: Original Interprutation of a Classical Story
Review: Being a big fan of musical theatre, I was very excited to read Susan Kay's version of the Phantom's life. This book starts with the birth of Erik (the phantom) and takes you all the way through to his appearance in the opera and the kidnapping of Christine and finally his death.
Each section of his life is narrated by a different person, including his narrative and Christine's diary. You cannot help but empathize with Erik's struggles and his longing for love and acceptance. But you also see his oddities and obvious genius through the eyes of others.
This book is a great way to introduce anyone to this classic story as well as enhance a love that is all ready there for the Phantom of the Opera.

Rating:
Summary: A must for Phantom fanatics
Review: For anyone enamored with the fascinating story of the Phantom of the Opera, this book is an absolute must-read. After the original novel by Gaston Leroux, Kay's novel is probably the most widely read (and perhaps the best-loved) literary Phantom adaptation. Meticulously researched and skillfully characterized, this novel spins a darkly enchanting backstory for the man who would become the Phantom of the Opera. Readers will be satisfied with the extensive amount of original fiction here. Unlike many Phantom adaptations, this novel does not simply recount the famous events at the Paris Opera; instead, it seeks to flesh out the rest of Erik's tale, both before and after he met Christine Daae. It is full of compelling original characters, and the carefully-crafted plot fits well with Leroux's original vision, informing it without attempting to alter it. Though now out of print, this book is certainly worth tracking down and savoring for yourself.