Mary's Review: The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

Abandon all knowledge of Andrew Lloyd Webber, ye who enter here. This is a completely differen ballpark. While it's true that Sir Andy (as known 'affectionately' by this reviewer) did indeed use a few points from the novel--there is indeed an Erik (though his name must have been too much to remember), a Christine, and a Raoul (our poor hero much unloved by the Fandom), as well as a form of the tragic love story of the Opera Ghost-- therein lies the entire plot of the play. The oft ignored book is far richer in complexity, though admittedly not without faults.
For those who inhabit the underside of a rock, the story goes like this: a young chorus girl named Christine is mysteriously thrust into the role of the diva, thanks to the interference of the mysterious "Angel of Music", from which she receives lessons. As time passes it becomes clear that it is no angel at all, but the deformed musical genius living in the bowels of the Opera House, who also torments the manangers of the House under the guise of the Opera Ghost. Our hero and Christine's childhood sweetheart, Raoul, tries his hardest to rescue Christine from this pitiable monster as the novel goes on, wanting nothing more than to whisk her away and allow the young couple a life of quiet happiness together. Naturally along the way there are plot twists, secondary characters, and a certain falling chandelier.
While heartbreaking and classic, the novel, as mentioned, is not without faults. Leroux has a tendency to switch views rapidly, leaving some parts tedious and seemingly unimportant until a second read through. Unfortunately... the common reader may not make it so far. Learn a little patience people! Good for a quiet snowy evening, the final verdict stands: 4Q-Better than most, 2P-Only for special interest.