Phantom Story Of His Life by Susan Kay (October 27,1990)

When I was a kid, a music teacher got us into the musical Phantom of the Opera; after that, I went about scaring up the original book from the 19th century, which only left a lot of yearning for something more -- the musical really expanded on the story with a lot more pathos than the book seemed to have, and hinted at the Phantom's past. What happened to this guy to turn him into this incredible genius who worships all things beautiful, but turned him into a tragic, kinda psychotic guy?Turns out, Susan Kay has the answer. I read this many, many years ago and it's really a gem. So much so that I had to track down a hard cove for my own private library. Is it a literary masterpiece for the ages? No. The prose is basic, meant to entertain, a kind of sweeping, romantic soap opera. But it delivers, with heartbreaking satisfaction. Even though elite writers would probably pan it, this book paints such a vivid portrait, a saga spanning continents from the Phantom's childhood, it's really a bildungsroman for the Phantom. The theme of ugliness, beauty, tragedy abound. It's also got a rich taste of angst with these memorable characters. A particular section that describes the Phantom's apprenticeship to a stone mason is especially haunting as the main character stumbles through the difficulties of social conventions and cues and completely misreads the stone mason's daughter's obsession with him as antagonism, when in fact, she is in love with him.Pick it up if you enjoy the subject matter, you likely won't be disappointed.

This book, which I've been searching for in hardcover, for a reasonalbe price, for ages came available and I snapped it up. It's in wonderful condition and arrived quickly.The story itself is one of my favorites. It's the backstory of Erik, the Phantom of the Opera, and how he became so dark and mysterious. It's a sad and seductive tale, full of what can happen when one loses all hope.

I had just finished another novel the day before this one arrived, and the timeing couldnt have been better! As an avid phantom buff this book is fascinating to read as well as a unique Writeing style by Susan KayI recommend this book to any and all phantom fans.

One of my favorite books. It is the life story of the Phantom before he became the Phantom. Nice twist on the original.

My wife loved it.

this is one of my favorite books of all time. it does a great job of taking eric and telling his life story. it starts from conception to death and is an absolutely brilliant telling of his life.... i HIGHLY recommend anyone/everyone read this book. SAE

Great book !!

This book is basically the story of the character known as "Eric" or "Phantom", throughout his entire life. I was a sucker for the musical, but I found myself deeply attached to this book, and have read it almost 7 times I believe.I think this is my favorite book, and I think its at least worth a shot to read.

Came on time and as expected (used fair condition, dust cover in poor condition and some stains on outside of pages. Completely accurate and acceptable) Started reading it today. 💙