I hate when people try to compare this to the movies. Apart from the silent movie they have nothing to do with this story, except that the characters and the plot are almost the same. Same goes with the musical. Although enjoyable as its own, it has a completely different approach to the situation. The book just has more depth and is overall a great gothic twist of the basic Beauty and the Beast folklore. It's not scary for modern readers, yet it is a wonderful and twisted love story. Then again, love story might be the wrong word, perhaps unrequited love story suits the story better. I find Christine completely unlovable and though sympathetic, Erik is still a psychopathic killer with abandonment issues, therefore suiting to the role of a villain more than well. However, I dare you not to feel sorry for him.