Phantom by Susan Kay

Well the drug addictions carries from his younger days in Persia to his Opera House days with Christine and costs him all of his money.

Yes, it was extremely depressing. There is no happiness in it. Most people like the book because it tells about Erik's life as a child, teen and young man.

Personally, I didn't like it, but it's a matter of personal taste.

Hope this helps.

What can I say about this book? Besides the fact that it is my favorite book ever. And my favorite Phantom book, in my opinion it's better than the original (which can be considered blasphemy by some phans). I just loved how it goes into Erik's sad childhood (the part about his dog made me cry ) And his time in Italy and Persia. Then there was the time at the Opera House. And the fact that this book is very much E/C gives it a big plus.

I adore this book too.
It's my second fave after the original.
Each chapter is a treasure, indeed and I always cry with some scenes...
One of the best Phantom books!
What's your fave chapter or part?
Ladyghost.

Personally I don't have a favorite part. The whole book was great. But the two parts that really gets to me would be his childhood and the ending.

His time in Italy is also a favorite of mine. I really liked the introduction of a character like Luciana. It was almost like Erik's "first love"


**spoiler**

Spoiler:

PhantomnessFay wrote:

Is this a picture on the cover? My copy doesn't have any picture like that.

Sorry it took me so long to answer haha
Yes, the Golden Mask and Christine holding it is the picture on the front...Here is a link as to what it looks like:
https://2img.net/h/i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4/MammaRuggiero/Kay.jpg

It's really very interesting looking...on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles I've only ever seen the one with A mask laying on sheet music with a candle.
I am interested in the one that has black roses on it and a white mask inside a circle.

I don't currently have my book with me, I am letting one of my friends borrow it, or I would look and see what date mine was published.

My copy was printed 2005 by Llumina Stars in Coral Springs, FL and the golden mask is news to me. Mine has the mask, candle and music score.

The golden mask must be the original version. Interesting!

I have all the editions, even the first ones...I'm a truly Phantom collector, indeed!
My fave parts...mmmmm, his childhod, Persia and the Opera...but you're right, I love all the book!
Ladyghost.

ladyghost, why would you collect different editions of the same story? Because you're a Phan? Interesting!

Yes, indeed! You should see my room...lol
I collect different Phantom (Leroux and Kay) editions from different countries, ages, etc. ^_^
Ladyghost.

Do you have copies in French? I'd love to read Leroux in French. If yes, where did you find it?

Thank you.

Yes, sure! I have everal in French though they are very difficult to find!
I usually buy them when I go to Paris. There's only a few editions which makes me wonder why in Phantom's city there are not more editions of "his" book.
Ladyghost.

If you ever find where the name of a place where I can buy a copy of POTO in French who will ship to USA, please let me know. I really would like to read this in French.

The French are very superstitious. They do not like to speak of him. We look at Erik as someone we could have loved. Paris official don't feel like that. They feared him then and now. America is the only one who makes a big deal out of Phantom.

I agree: you ask in the Opera about the Phantom and it's completely taboo.
So strange, they have a wonderful legend there, but they don't talk about it.
Ladyghost.

They have items of great value in their flea markets and don't realize it. They sell the items for little or nothing. Apparenlty, they don't look outside the box, so to speak.

What can I say about Susan Kay that hasn't already been said...I loved her novel!

wow...i wasnt aware that it was such a taboo subject over there. that in itself proves his existance if you ask me......if you had a purile brain you could really have fun with that in the Opera Garnier....you'd get in a heap of trouble if they caught you but it would be hysterical to "bring him back" LOL

ladyghost wrote:

I agree: you ask in the Opera about the Phantom and it's completely taboo.
So strange, they have a wonderful legend there, but they don't talk about it.
Ladyghost.

I've heard or read about this from several people who went to the Opera Garnier. It makes one think that it must be a story with some truth, otherwise why would they be so hush, hush, and defensive?!

Most people do enjoy this version. I completely understand. Cheers to you all!

I JUST FINISHED THE BOOK AND I LOVED IT!!

IT WAS QUITE DARK AND DISTURBING IN SOME PARTS LIKE PHANTOMNESSFAY SAID, BUT IT IS A GOOD STORY AND QUITE AN INTERESTING VERSION AS IT TELLS US ABOUT ERIK'S PAST.

I am going to Paris this summer and I am incredibly excited because it is only me and my cousin who is going there. I cannot believe that I will see the Opera House in real!!!!!!!

Cheers to all,
S

Lucky you! I'd love to visit Paris and the Opera House. Please, please take lots of pics and give us lots of details. Tell us if you experience any supernatural experiences like seeing the Phantom or hearing Christine sing when there are no rehearsals or performances. Whoo hoo! Paris...

No other comments? Where is everybody?

I love this book. It was actually the first Phantom of the Opera book I ever read so I had nothing to compare it to. Erik struck me as a very complex character and I believe Kay captured his spirit very well. My favorite quote would have to be, "Hell is full of burning boats, I daresay it's why it's so bloody hot." Having since read the original novel I believe Kay's book is the definitive version, at least to this phan.

Thank you Heart_Rose 1368. It's been a long time since I've read it as well. I just didn't like the constant switching of POV's and the kind of person Kay had Erik become. Nevertheless, who couldn't love poor unhappy Erik?