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The Phantom of the Opera (Penguin Popular Classics) [Paperback]

Gaston Leroux
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (84 customer reviews)

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Book Description

27 Sep 2007 Penguin Popular Classics
When the new managers of the Paris Opera House ignore their predecessors’ warnings about the hideous ‘Opera ghost’ stalking the theatre, it is a fatal mistake. Tortured by unrequited love for the beautiful young singer Christine Daaé, the mysterious figure living in the depths beneath them has been awaiting his chance to strike. And when Christine suddenly disappears after a triumphant singing performance, it becomes clear that the phantom’s time has come. Filled with colour and theatrical spectacle, this thrilling gothic tale has enthralled readers with its mystery, eerie suspense and tragic story of love turned into deadly obsession.


Product details

  • Paperback: 288 pages
  • Publisher: Penguin Classics; New Ed edition (27 Sep 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0140621741
  • ISBN-13: 978-0140621747
  • Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 1.1 x 18.1 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (84 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 283,393 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

Review

""A venerable, much-adapted story of grand, delicate feelings and gothic creepiness." --"New York Times

Book Description

The classic Gothic horror novel of haunted cellars, opera, murder and unrequited love that inspired Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A moving book! 7 Mar 2004
By Z
Format:Paperback
Love, hate, horror, the Phantom of the Opera has all this, making it one of the most captivating books ever. The book by the detective writer Gaston LeRoux tells the tale of Paris Opera house and its resident phantom. The book conceived by the author after a thorough investigation brings a believable portrayal of the events that had occurred at the time. Its basis on realistic facts makes it all the more believable.

The plot surrounds several characters that work at an opera house. The opera, well renowned for its plays also holds a deeper secret. When the new managers receive threats from a mysterious ghost, leaving letters initialled “O.G.”, a series of events are triggered that cause chaos in the opera house. Although this is how the book is introduced, its tone changes later in the book, focussing on the personality of the opera ghost. A story of love and sadness is revealed, piece-by-piece. The ending is startling leaving an air of melancholy in the reader’s heart.

The book was set in the late 19th century, recently after the opera house was constructed. The author himself was a great fan of the opera, and frequented it quite often. After hearing tales of the famous opera ghost, the author explored the opera house behind the scenes and discovered a vast maze of tunnels. In fact the opera house is a combination of a theatre and a dungeon. This creates an atmosphere of mystery, because then, anything could hide in the vast maze of the opera house.

The author handles the story very well. This could do with the fact that many parts of the book are actually based on fact-based testimonies. However the way the author connected the stories to make a smooth narrative is to be praised.

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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Please, read this book. 18 Oct 2005
By Rachel
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Depending on who you listen to this is either a masterpiece, or a shaky story which has since been improved through adaptations to film and stage. My opinion is the former. I had no trouble at all reading this book, in fact I had real trouble putting it down. For a phantom phan this is essential reading as the basis for all subsequent versions of the tale, and a very good read in itself. Those who know more recent versions of the story should not expect this to be exactly the same; in fact all the characters come across very differently, creating a very different overall storyline regarding the characters.

The writer, Leroux, spent much of his writing career as a journalist, and 'The Phantom of the Opera' is written in a style which suggests a real investigation and interview of the characters by the author (hence the continually resurfacing hope of phans that the Phantom truly existed). This style works exceedingly well, in my opinion, as it leaves plenty of mysteries for the reader to consider, reflecting the nature of the story. Debates about certain points and occurrences continue to this day!

This book truly is a must read, and as copies can be found cheaply most anywhere, you have no excuse for not reading it!

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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Pick it up... you won't be able to put it down! 25 April 1999
By A Customer
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This must be the best book I've read in a while. Once I started it, I was cut off from this world. The plot is simple yet really entertaining. It doesn't state too many extra details and doesn't tell a few different stories at once like many other books. I am a person who often needs to reread some sentences again and again before I get them, but this one went almost completely smoothly. It must be considered a classic. Once I started reading it I was so enthralled that I felt like all the characters at one point in the book. It's kinda spooky, but not as much as many other books, just enough to make you continue reading. Please excuse the spelling, it is very late at night.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Good
This is a good read and an absolute bargain. This was free so I suppose I have nothing to moan about really.
Published 1 day ago by Sarah
3.0 out of 5 stars a fairly good read
I found this to be an enjoyable book, however at times I thought it was rather repetitive. The characters were wonderful and very well developed, especially Erik! Read more
Published 7 days ago by J Santini
3.0 out of 5 stars Get a different translation
This translation is more or less universally agreed to be the worst English translation of Phantom out there. Read more
Published 27 days ago by Laura
3.0 out of 5 stars Phantom of the Opera book by Gaston Leroux
I know that this is the original story, but I found it hard to read and having seen the film first and then the stage show
preferred their version.
Doff1000
Published 28 days ago by doff1000
4.0 out of 5 stars Don Juan Triumphant
Gaston Leroux, born in 1868, was a French journalist and author. Although a successful writer of detective novels, he is best known for the "The Phantom of the Opera" - which... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Craobh Rua
3.0 out of 5 stars Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux
Anyone who enjoys Arthur Conan Doyle should like this story. It's similarly far-fetched, but good entertainment when you want a light read.
Published 1 month ago by Gordon Charters
5.0 out of 5 stars The Original!
I have the print copy but just had to have it on my Kindle which has become my new best friend!
Published 1 month ago by jwm hardy
4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Bought as present, thoroughly appreciated, now just need to book to see the show, this was just stop gap till we can afford and get tickets..
Published 1 month ago by Dawn Phillips
5.0 out of 5 stars music
I love the phantom and think this recording is great. I will be recommending to my friends. very enjoyable listening.
Published 1 month ago by spike
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
I have read this book before and I have seen the stage musical and several films over the years and listen to the soundtracks.
Published 2 months ago by Tony L
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