The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leurox. I did read this book once before in 2012.
This book is well written. Despite knowing the end, (both through memory of reading and having seen the film more than once,) I found myself in constant suspense, as if I questioned the outcome I already knew.
The Phantom is a well developed villain. He is multifaceted. You loath him, you fear him, and yet you pity him. You love his talents. You are disgusted by him, yet want to know more about him. He’s a murderous stalker, but he’s written in such a way that you remember with clarity that if he were real, he would be a man made in the image of God, despite his physical features, and that he is on a sure path to hell. A part of you wants to reach out and save him from hell – beg him to turn to Jesus – despite the evil man he also is. And isn’t that how we’re supposed to see real people?
Christine confused me at times, but I loved her. I loved that she could be horrified by Eric, but pity him and cry with him too. Raoul was young and inexperienced for the worries and fears he encountered, but he rose to meet them like a man – a flawed man at times, but a good one overall. His tender protection came in such contrast to the manipulative control of the Phantom.
As a point of interest, I reread my review from 2012. I can’t say I agree with myself all that much on some things I said then – but I will not belabor this post with details. How people grow and change and learn, is fascinating.
I plan to keep this book. I’m sure I’ll plan to reread it one of these days.
Rebekah Ryberg nee Jones, is first and foremost a follower of the Living God. She started writing as a little girl, seeking to glorify the Lord with her books and stories…
