Let's get together and discuss the classic novel The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux.
Summary: First published in French as a serial in 1909, The Phantom of the Opera is a riveting story that revolves around the young, Swedish Christine Daaé. Her father, a famous musician, dies, and she is raised in the Paris Opera House with his dying promise of a protective angel of music to guide her. After a time at the opera house, she begins hearing a voice, who eventually teaches her how to sing beautifully. All goes well until Christine's childhood friend Raoul comes to visit his parents, who are patrons of the opera, and he sees Christine when she begins successfully singing on the stage. The voice, who is the deformed, murderous 'ghost' of the opera house named Erik, however, grows violent in his terrible jealousy, until Christine suddenly disappears. The phantom is in love, but it can only spell disaster.
We'll meet at Alta Bakery and Cafe in downtown Monterey. As usual, I'll post where I am about 10 to 15 minutes before the group starts. I anticipate this will be a very fun discussion, as the book has many differences from the play/movie.
We will also discuss plans for a watch party of the 25th Anniversary of the musical filmed at Royal Albert Hall in 2011.
