Gaston Leroux 
The Phantom of the Opera 
Classic of French Literature

Gaston Leroux’s ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is a captivating tale of love, obsession, and tragedy set in the iconic Paris Opera House. The novel, written in a suspenseful and gothic style, explores the mysterious Phantom who haunts the opera house and his unrequited love for Christine Daae. Leroux masterfully weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and horror in this timeless classic. The novel’s rich descriptions and atmospheric setting transport readers to the lavish world of the opera house, making it a thrilling and immersive read. Gaston Leroux’s intricate plot twists and nuanced character development add depth to the story, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Once you step into the Phantom’s world, you will be unable to put this gripping novel down. ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of romance, mystery, and suspense in a captivating Gothic setting.

About the author

Gaston Leroux (1868–1927) was a French journalist and author of detective fiction, who remains best known for his 1910 novel ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (Le Fantôme de l’Opéra). This work has since become a classic in French literature and has been adapted into numerous films and the globally famous Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Leroux’s literary style is characterized by his detailed scene constructions, intricate plot developments, and a blend of the supernatural with suspenseful narratives. Before ‘The Phantom of the Opera, ‘ Leroux penned ‘The Mystery of the Yellow Room’ (1907), which laid the groundwork for the locked-room mystery subgenre. Leroux’s legacy in the field of detective fiction is noteworthy, as he contributed to the genre’s evolution by combining Gothic horror with whodunit elements, a style that was quite innovative at the turn of the twentieth century. Beyond these, Leroux wrote a variety of other novels and short stories that exhibited his penchant for crafting engaging mysteries infused with a sense of the fantastic. His work reflects the tensions of his time, exploring themes of love, justice, and the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural. Despite being less well known than contemporaries such as Conan Doyle, Leroux’s influence on the mystery and horror genres remains indelible.