Audible Book Review: The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

About midway I did get into this classic, gothic story.
The Phantom of the Opera
By: Gaston Leroux
Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-06-04
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Classic, Gothic Horror, Gothic Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
The story begins with an investigation into some strange reports of an "opera ghost", legendary for making the great Paris opera performers ill-at-ease when they sit alone in their dressing rooms. Some allege to have seen the ghost in evening clothes moving about in the shadows. Nothing is done, however, until the disappearance of Christine during her triumphant performance. With an increasing pattern of fear and violence, The Phantom of the Opera begins to strike, but always with a beautiful young performer at the center of his deadly desires.
(P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks

Review:
This story is presented as an investigation that slowly develops about an “opera ghost”. The story takes place in (and under) a famous opera house in 19th Century Paris. The first third tells of some accidents that have occurred in the opera house particularly regarding beautiful young stars. The author then focuses on a current, upcoming performer, Christine, and the young nobleman, Vicomte Raoul de Chagny, who adores her. Raoul wants to romance Christine but he finds her pushing him away because she is under the thrall of a strange beautiful voice. She knows him as Erik, the Angel of Music, while others who do not know him personally, are sure he is the Opera Ghost. Is he real or a ghost? Is he a sad, tragic man or a monster?

Christine is torn between her love of music shared by the man who is tutoring her with his musical gift, and her childhood friend and ardent suitor, Raoul. As Raoul becomes more involved the story becomes more and more interesting.

When Erik kidnaps Christine in the middle of a performance, Raoul receives help from a strange man, the Persian. This is a man who has a past with knowledge of Erik. He is aware that Erik is a master of hidden rooms, illusions, and traps. The underground rivers, hall mazes, and dangers that he navigates with Raoul were particularly interesting.

It has been years since I saw The Phantom of the Opera as a play so I was interested to read/listen to the original story. Once I got through the beginning, I did find it fascinating. I found the illusions elements even more interesting than the love triangle. If you have any interest in this classic, I recommend pushing through the early part to enjoy the complexity of the rest of the story.

Audio Notes: Ralph Cosham was a British-born American performer. He delivers this work with a convincing French accent. The narration doesn’t always provide distinct accents/voices for the characters as it is consistent with the investigative nature or the story. This worked fine for me and I am glad that I listened to this.

Source: 12/16 Daily Deal $.99 for me since I already had the Kindle version. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.