Rating: 
Summary: A masterpiece
Review: This is definitely the one book any fan of the Phantom of the Opera should read. Kay tells a truly powerful story - painting the Phantom as a real human being, not the kind of horrible creature he is made out to be. What is really great about this book is that it is told from many different points of view, the narration passing from the different characters, from Erik's mother, to Christine, and even the Phantom himself. The story is smooth and well rounded, with realistic and complete characters that you really feel for. Phantom is a beautiful love story, and also a tragic tale of betrayal and deceit. You will love this book, I guarantee it.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely haunting.....I couldn't put it down
Review: When first handed this book, I didn't want to read it. I was familiar with the story (or so I thought) and I wasn't really interested in a book about a crazy guy in a mask stalking this poor girl. I couldn't have been more surprised, for Susan Kay's writing is painfully beautiful, and her portrayal of the Phantom's story makes him not only a sympathetic character, but a likeable character as well. Mrs. Kay's use of symbolism truly enhances the beauty of this piece, allowing the readers to draw whatever conclusion they see fit. Her ending satisfies supporters of the original ending, as well as any readers who beleive that Christine might have truly loved the Phantom. Her writing is exquisite, and her ability to grasp the mind and soul of one of literature's most mysterious characters is amazing! I certainly reccomend this book to anyone, for it deeply affects the reader long after the story has ended.
Rating:
Summary: HEAR THE PHANTOM'S MUSIC WITHIN SUSAN KAY'S WORDS!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: Words cannot express the magnificence of this retelling of the famous tale of Erik, known to the world as the Phantom of the Opera. I must say that I have not shed as much tears as I have with this book. It was like Andrew Lloyd Webber's music: enchanting, provocative, haunting, evocative -- a delight to the senses. THIS is the book the world longs to read. THIS is the tale the world wants to know. Whereas Gaston Leroux's novel was limited by the boundaries of the detective/mystery/gothic genre rules, THIS masterpiece freed itself from that constriction as Erik freed himself from the figurative chains that bound him to the cage in the gypsy carnival. THIS is a triumph -- the Phantom's triumph! For, deep down inside, who does not long for Erik to end up with Christine, even with their strange Oedipus-like relationship? A tale as old as time... the Beast who loved Beauty... Let your soul soar with the music of Susan Kay's -- and Erik's -- haunting and beautiful words!!! Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: brilliant book
Review: just one word will describe this book n' that is "marevellous ".i am completely in love with it .i have been searching for this book (or anything related to it may b a website )n' i am still serching as it's not available in india but then i have this book in my heart n' this will b my all time fav. susan is excellent writer n' she has done great job .i love it trully ,it's a beautiful book,it's a melody woven in words
Rating:
Summary: A HAUNTING STORY OF DARKNESS AND LOVE . . . . . . . .
Review: "The most exquisite kind of love is the kind you do not admit even to yourself!" PHANTOM by Susan Kay is an outstanding, powerful read. I can't say enough of this book. I've recently read it AGAIN and had to write a review. It was absolutely outstanding! This is the story of the Phantom of the Opera but entirely different from Gaston Leroux's classic. This incredible story adds new depth and seering emotion into this well-known story. The Phantom exudes such despair and longing for Christine. He has never known gentleness in his life. Has never known what it is to love. Until that fateful day he hears an angelic voice reaching out to him. He becomes obsessed with Christine after hearing her sing. The purity of her voice awakens all of his tortured emotions. Utterly mad with wanting her, he devises any and all means necessary to lure her into his world. A world filled with despair, anguish and madness. . . This story is absolutely haunting. It filled me with such sadness that Erik believed himself so unworthy. He believes that there is no woman who could ever look at him with love especially being so hideously disfigured. Christine offers him salvation and tries to draw him out of his world of madness. Yet, Erik is so unwilling to believe . . . Grab yourself a copy and be prepared to be swept away. You will savor this powerful story over and over.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best ever written
Review: When I first read this book several years ago it was recommended to me by my girlfriend. I immediatly fell in love with it. I could not put it down until it was through reading. I was consumed by Kay's writing. It is poetry in literature. This is what books and novels should be. The story haunts me to this day. And of course I felt a special connection with Erik because my name is also Eric. I own three copies and am looking for more.
Rating:
Summary: Get to know the Phantom before he haunted the Paris Opera
Review: This book gives you the back story on Erik before he was the Phantom. It creates a lavish and detailed history, explaining his genius for architecture, his fetish for intricate illusion rooms, and how he aquired his first mask. Though not always vibing with Gaston Leroux's book, "Phantom" does a wonderful job of giving Erik a past that will satisfy any rabid Phantom Phan.
Rating:
Summary: Story behind the Phantom
Review: I read this awhile ago and I remember really enjoying it. It is the 'story' behind the Phantom of the Opera and a version of why he was hideously disfigured and how he became the Phantom of the Opera hiding behind the mask. It starts from his birth and ends with his death and goes through his adventures and loneliness and addictions. Excellent book! Shame it is out of print.
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful! And weird!
Review: Susan Kay's outtake of the Phantom's tragic story is very good. I give the majority of the story five stars. However, I find a few problems, as well. For instance, Christine resembles, in this book, Erik's mother . . . unlikely, and Erik would have hated her if that were true, having read the first narrative in this book. And Erik becomes a drug addict in this book, a quite unlikely concept, especially with the drug used. Somewhat bad ending, in my opinion. Erik's supposed "I'm an apprentice to Death" in the end is awfully strange, I think. And after hearing Christine and Raoul chorus their love, his reaction is more of an "I blame God" than "I blame Raoul" and out of character. Yes, Susan Kay also got Erik out of character in plenty of parts. And what exactly is up with Charles? But if you can look past those several faults and the fact that the ending is worth about forty cents, you'll definitely want this book.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Spectacular Piece of Work
Review: This book. . . ah, if only I could find the proper words to describe it. How I loved it. It is, and I know it always will be, my favorite book. I have forced all my friends to read it, and I hope I can at least convince you to read it :) I applaud Susan Kay for creating this marvellous, captivating masterpiece. The fullness of this novel appeals to me especially. You go through Erik's life with him from beginning to end. . . and as other characters are introduced, the story builds and builds to even greater heights. The emotions I experienced when reading through Phantom were tumultuous and intense. Kay's writing is exceptional, from her descriptions to the dialouge. His childhood was certainly heart-breaking in many ways. But it had nice peaks. . . I certainly enjoyed the period when he learned of architechture and was enthralled by the beautiful buildings of the city. . . I must admit, that along with poor Christine, I was enchanted by Erik. Such a full, fascinating character. . . a truly amazing man. The progression of their relationship was odd, to be sure, but all that had happened to Erik before made it seem almost natural. I implore you. . . if you have not already, read this book. Yes, I am a walking, talking, typing advertisement for this book. As aforementioned. . . I love it. After you've done so, you will know why I'm telling you to now :) Happy Reading!
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