Okay, so I've got some issues with parts of this novel. The part consisting of Erik's childhood was a bit too long, and the bit with Erik suddenly serving the devil when he hears Christine confess her love for Raoul seemed very out of place for him. Someone who has been an atheist for that long likely wouldn't swing to that — he'd just fly off the handle like a "normal" deranged misanthrope.

The Romani part was also a bit insensitive in bits, but it was the 90s so I'm not surprised. Same with the weird Orientalism going on with the shah's harem and just generally how the government around the shah is portrayed. Erik is also way too good at everything. So good that I don't know if his murderous instincts and personality flaws are enough to offset it.

But oh my god, the absolute heartbreaking throes of despair and longing Erik goes through during the core of the Christine plot... I will unashamedly admit I cried at the very end of it when she returns that last time before getting married. Erik was written quite well overall and I liked all the descriptions of his outfits and how the fabric moved. I'm also a bit obsessed with the attire the phantom wears in the ALW musical generally, tho, so...

Anyway, finally crossed off some new blorbo material. Let's goooo