A review by kitsunesakura
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I've read this book before in High School. I can definitely say that now with age I have a different outlook on the characters. Once I would have solely rooted for Christine and Raoul hailing them for having such a beautiful love story. I now feel that their love is actually quite shallow. They spent a limited amount of time together as children, and once reunited years later, they have an unshakable love? The book describes them often as children and that is quite accurate. I wish we saw things more from Erik's perspective. His presence is sensed throughout the entire book, though we don't always see him. You cannot help but feel compassion for Erik. If it were not for his disfigurement he would have been revered for his genius. In the end despite the wickedness that he had done, you cannot help but feel for this lonely creature, that you wish you could hug and comfort through the pages, for his loneliness radiates from his soul.