Reviews with content warning for Torture - The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, Fiction, Classics

Having watched the musical multiple times before, I was surprised to find out that it was based on a novel! I enjoyed the mystery, intrigue, and hysteria, which seemed more pronounced in the novel than any adaptations I've watched. If you get a chance to listen to an audiobook version, I would highly recommend it - I found a narrator on YouTube and he amplified the obsessive and chaotic tone of the novel. I'm not usually into any form of creepy or horror (I'm sure this novel is minimal compared to most) but I did appreciate this one!

Content Warnings

the_clueless_tourist's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

freddikb's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

My only real knowledge of this story has been from the movie version with Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum (2004). I fell in love with the costumes and the tragic love story of the phantom, Erik. I was so excited to read this. My final thoughts, after the last page has been read, are not what I expected them to be….

Going into this story I had, I’ll admit, already my own thoughts based on the 2004 movie. I eventually learned that the movie and the book have differing takes on the story, on the way the relationships are portrayed. Or perhaps my eyes have become clearer to red flags?

My initial thought about the book was- this story portrays a toxic relationship between an emotionally abused man and a very naive/immature girl. Yes, that is what I said. I know there will be haters. “The Phantom of the Opera” is such a popular ‘love story’ for the ages and I am pulling out all the red flags. A man who was unloved by his family and emotionally traumatized by everyone, and never received the support and help he needed to work through that, the result- Erik became fixated on a girl, stalked her, became jealous of her friends, kidnapped her and held her in confinement. He threatens her friends, and all of these actions in the name of “love”. And Christine, she plays both guys, using their emotions and playing them. No. Just, no. So, so many red flags in this story. It was such a disappointment, but also helped me see that the movie is also not the best for me to watch.

Girls, if a guy says he loves you but then threatens, stalks, kidnaps, it is not love. I repeat- that is not love.

*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*

Content Warnings