Phantom of the Opera discussion

Welcome! Phantom also inspired my book "The Stranger She Married," but the similarities are subtle. What a great story Phantom of the Opera is!

Has anyone read the original novel upon which the Broadway show was based?

Yes. I've read the novel many times.

Forgot to add: I have and have read all 4 English translations (de Mattos, Bair, L'Officier, and Wolfe).

I'm ashamed to confess I never have. I've seen it performed and I've seen the movie, but not read the book.

So which version of the novel do you like best?

I like the original translation by de Mattos (often listed without the name of the translator). I liked the writing style, but they left little bits out that were important.

I also really enjoyed the most recent translation by L'Officier (well, L'Officier brothers I believe...Jean-Marc and Randy). I think it's a nice translation and it's complete, gives you a better picture of the story. My only issue is the the infamous "Scorpion and grasshopper" scene is changed to a scorpion and a frog. I didn't quite get that but I've never seen the original French version.

Cool. I'll have to read them both.

I've read several different translations as well ... and I can't remember who translated my favorite, LOL.

Sharon wrote: "I've read several different translations as well ... and I can't remember who translated my favorite, LOL. "


When you remember, let me know!

Donna wrote: "Welcome! Phantom also inspired my book "The Stranger She Married," but the similarities are subtle. What a great story Phantom of the Opera is!

Hi Donna,

I have seen both the Broadway musical and the movie and have just finished the book on sunday. I thought the book was different enough from the other mediums that one coul enjoy all three. I prefer the movie. Which is unusual because broadway plays are always a best bet. But I enjoyed the book becauase it was a fast read and kept one's interest. Dawn

Has anyone read the original novel upon which the..."

Depressed Vampire wrote: "koolio!
welcome to the group!!! lol"

Dawn
So which version did you just finish that you loved?

I read the translation by Lowell Bair printed in 1990 by Bantam Classics. It is true the translations make a world of difference.

I liked the Wolfe version. (Finally remembered to get back here and post, LOL.)

I'm so glad for these posts. I know the translations make a difference. can anyone feed me some "light" on the grasshopper and scorpion similies? Dawn

Dawn wrote: "I'm so glad for these posts. I know the translations make a difference. can anyone feed me some "light" on the grasshopper and scorpion similies? Dawn"

The scorpion stings, and the grasshopper jumps. In French, the word for grasshopper, "sauterelle," is a slang term for a bomb. Hence, "the grasshopper jumps very high" is Erik threatening an explosion.

Dear Sharon,

Thank you for the translation, makes such a difference and gives greater depth and meaning to the choice of words (simile) used. I have a friend from Russia and she helped me really appreciate The Brothers Karamazov so much more too. So much is lost in translation regardless. I even read prefaces etc.

Do you have anything else to "enrich" my reading?
Dawn

Dawn wrote: "Dear Sharon,

Thank you for the translation, makes such a difference and gives greater depth and meaning to the choice of words (simile) used. I have a friend from Russia and she helped me reall..."

You're most welcome. Off the top of my head, no ... I can't think of anything. I'm happy to try to answer questions as they come up, though. :-)

Dear Sharon,

you are all so knowing :) there is too much info to sort through LOL. I went back through the chat and sounds like you or hubby is involved in musicals? Dawn

Dawn wrote: "Dear Sharon,

you are all so knowing :) there is too much info to sort through LOL. I went back through the chat and sounds like you or hubby is involved in musicals? Dawn"

I did a lot of musical theatre growing up, but my husband was on the "techie" side. We are both historical reenactors, and he plays the Phantom at the Dickens Christmas Faire in San Francisco. :-)

AH, San Fransisco, I have only been there once and I loved how colorful it was, literally. It reminded of Europe. and of course the famous ride down Lombardo (sp) Street and Fishermans Wharf. I definately have good memomries of SF and for a while left my heart there. I bet there are a lot of theatrical performances to attend there--and interesting ones too:) So, what are you reading now? I recently joined Goodreads and am slowly adding friends, would you like to join my "friends", we seem to have much in common and I appreciate the fact that you respond so quickly. I will be finishing The Awakening by Kate Chopin today. Not to sure what to start next. Dawn

Hi, Dawn. I would be delighted if you would add me. "The Awakening" is a brilliant book. :-)

I've currently got three books going, LOL ... the one closest to hand is "The Idea of Love," by Louise Dean.

Hi Sharon!
Welcome to the group! I am looking forward to purchase a copy of your book when it becomes available from the editor you mention (hopefully they ship to Canada). I am a Phantom lover and I am always excited to read stories about Erik. :O)

Have a wonderful day!

Ophelia wrote: "Hi Sharon!
Welcome to the group! I am looking forward to purchase a copy of your book when it becomes available from the editor you mention (hopefully they ship to Canada). I am a Phantom lover an..."

Hi, Ophelia! If you don't want to wait (it could be *months,* as this is not a fast process), the eBook is available now. :-) I know lots of people prefer something they can hold in their hand ... but this is an option. :-) http://www.scribd.com/doc/15851754/In...

There is a free 10-page preview so that you may decide whether this is your cup of tea or not. I do hope you enjoy it.

I have to tell everyone, I've been following Vicki's blog for about a year now, and her work is outstanding. I have "Phantom's Lessons" on my "to buy" list. :-)

Hi, Ophelia! If you don't want to wait (it could be *months,* as this is not a fast process), the eBook is available now. :-) I know lots of people prefer something they can hold in their hand ... but this is an option. :-)

I have read the preview and I have enjoyed it very much! That's why I can't wait for the book to be released - that's the librarian in me talking - I love getting new books whether it is work related (financial stuff) or for my personal collection. :O)

Vicki wrote: "If you're interested in reading my book, it's now available online at the following link, Authonomy, which is a website hosted by HarperCollins. You'll be able to read chapter by chapter, and get ..."

Hi Vicki!
Your book is my next purchase on Amazon. I have read many of your entries on your blog over the last year and I have truly enjoyed it! :O)

OMG- Hi Vicki. didn't know you are here.
Anne

I can definitely recommend Vicki's blog "All Things Phantom." I have been there twice and just love it. I have booked my Saturday evenings to never miss it unless I am dying. LOL

Anne Bernie wrote: "Hi everyone, I love "POTO" especially the movie because I have never seen the play(but I would love to) and also the 1943 movie which I saw in the early 1950's. I also have read the Leroux book.
M..."

Welcome to the group Anne! I'm looking forward to get a copy of your book! :O)

I cant believe there is a group for the Phantom of The Opera! I found it by fluke..Ive seen the musical 5 times! Read the book more times...and still cry when I listen to the music..oh havent seen the movie tho...what happen to the moderator here? hope this group hasnt gone to the grave :(

Thank you so much Vicki! I just now purchased your book from bookdepository..and bookmarked your blog! what interesting things I never knew about..and authors here that have written sequels!?? Im in heaven! I feel it is the most dramatic/romantic/musical Id ever seen..never get sick of the music...and I can hardly wait to get your book!

Hi Sandi,
Glad to have you here. We still love the Phantom even if we don't get here as often as we would like. I hope you will check out my Phantom book, "The Phantom'S Redemption" available on Amazon and Barnes&Noble.
Anne

Sandi wrote: "I cant believe there is a group for the Phantom of The Opera! I found it by fluke..Ive seen the musical 5 times! Read the book more times...and still cry when I listen to the music..oh havent seen ..."

It goes in fits and starts here. :-)

Thank you so much for the welcome ladies!

@ Sharon..your book looks so good! but its N/A here in Canada at Amazon.ca..III have to check out other places..some wont ship here as it is too expensive
@ Anne..I will also check out yours & see if I can get it too...boy am I glad I found this group! :)
My daughter cant understand why I love Phantom..maybe cause I made her come to the last 3 musicals with me?
But she made me go to Les Miserables twice & has the book..music..so maybe she does! LOL

Sandi wrote: "Thank you so much for the welcome ladies!

@ Sharon..your book looks so good! but its N/A here in Canada at Amazon.ca..III have to check out other places..some wont ship here as it is too expensi..."

Hi, Sandi. You can get it directly from my publisher as well: http://treasurelinebooks.com/InTheEye... , or from Amazon US if you feel safer that way. I do hope you enjoy the story.

Tell your daughter that my favorite Phantom, Earl Carpenter, is currently playing Javert in London. :-)

Hello, ladies!
I've added virtually every Phantom book on this group's bookshelf to my reading list, but I can't find a single one at the library! Any suggestions?

Welcome Gemma...the above Authors/members helped me out in the buying dept..I cant get at my library either..maybe used on line?..Sharon? Anne? ideas?

Sharon wrote: "Sandi wrote: "Thank you so much for the welcome ladies!

@ Sharon..your book looks so good! but its N/A here in Canada at Amazon.ca..III have to check out other places..some wont ship here as it is..."

Thanks Sharon..III see who charges most for shipping..Amazon.com can be $12.00 for one book! I tried to find you on bookdepository..& Amazon.ca...My daughter & I plan some day to do a weekend in NewYork someday when both of our favorites are playing! :)

Hi Ladies,
Most books on Phantom(mine included0 are on amazon and Barnes and noble. I know mine is on amazon.CA as my daughter lives there and she bought it. The shipping is usually $3.50. I have bought many books on Amazon and they are never more than that unless you buy more than one.
Anne

Anne..I just bought your book at WWW.bookdepository.com It was only $24.00 & there is never any shipping cost no matter 1 book or more..I find them most times way cheaper than Amazon..looking forward to reading your book!:)

Thank you so much, Sandi. I hope you like it. I did not know about that site. Thanks for the information,. I was going to wish you a blessed Thanksgiving, but i just remembered you are in CA so you already celebrated it in oct. Anyway, Hugs and have a wonderful day.
Anne

Thanks Anne..and Happy thanksgiving to you & yours! I hope its a nice time spent with family & friends enjoy!

The UK edition of my book is on Book Depository, but to be perfectly honest it is insanely expensive at the current rate of exchange and it's a paperback. It also shows "out of stock," which is bizarre as it's still in print -- but I have been directing people to the US edition anyway. It's more reasonably priced and the finished product is much more aesthetically pleasing.

Sharon..I did look at Bookdepository for it and your right it is O/S..I dont know why Amazon.ca wont sell it? I would like to buy it from your publisher but it dosent say anything about exchange rate or shipping costs..Amazon.com would charge $9.00 just for the shipping! and I dont have a Reader..:(

Sandi, my mistake on S&h must have been because you are in Canada. I have always paid only $3.50 for one item here in the US. It goes up until you spend $25.00 then you sometimes can get free shipping from Amazon.
Anne

Yes thats right Anne..I thought for a moment you knew something I didnt! LOL! It use to be you had to spend over $39.00 to get free shipping..they have just dropped it to $25.00..thats why I now buy most of my books at the bookdepository. Even if I buy one book..no shipping! AND they are usually 2-5 dollars cheaper! But sometimes they dont have the ones Im looking for..& III go back to Amazon.

Sandi wrote: "Sharon..I did look at Bookdepository for it and your right it is O/S..I dont know why Amazon.ca wont sell it? I would like to buy it from your publisher but it dosent say anything about exchange ra..."

My publisher charges $4 US for shipping; I don't know what that works out to in Canadian currency these days.

I think it would be around $8.00?

Sandi wrote: "I think it would be around $8.00?"

Using the XE on-line calculator, I show it at $4.08 CAD. The currencies are almost equivalent at this point.

Thanks Anne! I have ordered it & looking forward to reading! :)

Hi! My name is Gabrielle and I have been a member of goodreads for three years now. I'm a BIG PHAN of Phantom of the Opera! I would like to just get to know others with this great love of Phantom.By the way right now my favorite song is Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again...probably because I lost my mom last year and with Christine losing her father and all this song just hits home. Although I have only seen the movie (many times) I have heard and would like to know more about the book and musical.

Welcome Gabrielle! so glad you joined..and this is a great group if your a Phantom fan! You must check out our "member authors" here..and their books & thoughts.
They are great ladies to talk with...and feel free to join in in any other area of the group. Im sorry for your loss of your mother..I truly understand.. I lost mine many years ago..she was my best friend & the emptiness is always felt to this day. I havent seen the movie ( just got it in the mail) but I saw the play 5-times. check out our bookshelf as well. have fun!