The story is centered around the monumental Paris Opera House, a colossal building with at least 13 floors, its own police and fire department, a stable, and hundreds of people working or living there. But at the bottom of the deepest basement, on an island in a lake, lives Erik, the "phantom of the opera", a man with a horrible distortion, persecuted for various crimes, and who lives hidden from the world.
Presenting himself as an angel of music, Erik gives singing lessons to the young Daae, who quickly overcomes and replaces the "diva" of the moment. But Erik wishes to live normally, to have a home and a family, and yearns for Daae's love. Without really knowing his character, she commits herself to him, but at the same time is courted by Viscount Raul. Together they plan to flee, after their last performance. But Erik discovers the plan and kidnaps her, trying to force a decision. The book has a strong 19th century French romantic style, characterized by passion and horror.
J.G. (Portugal, 2018)