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A review by harc
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
3.0
I've always been a fan of the musical and 2004 film so I felt it was time to finally read the book.
It was a lot shorter than I expected, to be honest. It was an easy read though I had to detach what I knew from the musical and film to follow the story in the novel -- there are quite a few differences. Still, it was rather enjoyable and I'm glad I finally read it.
The pacing in the book is rather shocking and it feels like a lot happens in such a short amount of pages -- which is probably why I had always assumed it was a longer story. I'm amazed ALW was able to make such a coherent and well paced musical from the source material.
I did find myself disliking Raoul more in the book over the other versions I was used to. He is not as charming as he is in the film, sadly. Christine has a lack of personality or agency in the book as well, which surprised me.
I know she is easily influenced / manipulated by O.G in the other media too, but in the film especially, she seemed to more fleshed out and have a stronger presence.
All in all, a quick and entertaining read.
It was a lot shorter than I expected, to be honest. It was an easy read though I had to detach what I knew from the musical and film to follow the story in the novel -- there are quite a few differences. Still, it was rather enjoyable and I'm glad I finally read it.
The pacing in the book is rather shocking and it feels like a lot happens in such a short amount of pages -- which is probably why I had always assumed it was a longer story. I'm amazed ALW was able to make such a coherent and well paced musical from the source material.
I did find myself disliking Raoul more in the book over the other versions I was used to. He is not as charming as he is in the film, sadly. Christine has a lack of personality or agency in the book as well, which surprised me.
I know she is easily influenced / manipulated by O.G in the other media too, but in the film especially, she seemed to more fleshed out and have a stronger presence.
All in all, a quick and entertaining read.