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I understand why many people don't like Phantom of Manhattan. But, as a story I liked it. I really don't think there was anything wrong with the idea of Erik having a son. And before anyone jumps to conclusions, I have read the original novel. I have read PTO original book. I understand in the original novel Erik dies and they find the ring on his finger. However, in the play Erik disappears on a chair leaving only his mask behind. We have no idea whether he lives or dies. It could go either way, and if he were to live, I doubt he could stay in Paris knowing he's a wanted murderer.

Anyhow, I will agree that Leroux (please forgive if my spelling is off, I am not a expert at French) did have a couple odd points to his novel. I don't think FF was bashing the novel, and yes I've read the opening statements, it was just not his forte. Not everyone likes Gothic literature, and you can't really blame them for that. I really liked the Phantom of Manhatten as a stand-alone story. Now, I realize it has it's weak points, and I agree that Erik as a clown is not at all probable. Maybe he could have claimed to have a wound that needed constant bandaging? Anyhow, please don't tell me I am not a true PTO phan for liking the story.

No problem. I understand the concerns with Phantom of Manhattan. I understand it's vastly different from the original novel by GL. And that the style is not how most phans would want Erik to turn out. And honestly, I'll agree the likehood the Christine got pregnant by Erik is slim. I'll agree, and I understand concerns, but I like it as a stand-alone novel. I haven't read Phantom, I just special ordered it.

My mom likes it to as a stand alone story, and as far as being what would happen, I'll agree it's far-fetched. But hey, I like a good read.

For me, it's so-so. Not the worst version in the world but far from the best. To me it's a "what if" story.

Kay's overuse of the name Charles was definately not one of the better qualities of the novel. But Forsyth's use of the most commonly recognized and stereotypical French name Pierre just put me at ill-ease.

I'm not claiming it's the best novel of all time or anything close to that. I just liked it. Not saying it's the be all phantom story (we'd only ever know that if Leroux wrote an epilogue, which you really can't since Erik was dead at the end of the original.) I liked some of the idea presented in the novel. Like the idea that Erik could escape from the opera house and go on to become sucessful. Probably my favorite part is the possibility of Erik and Christine having a son, and while I agree Pierre is cliched, she should have picked a less known name, that I like the idea of Erik and Christine having something happen.

I just got the impression that Erik was leading up to something happening between them physically, and he could have hypnotized her into having something happen between them. I've read the original novel a couple times to be sure I understand it and have my idea organized, and probably should do a re-read soon. I just like the ideas presented. And I agree that Erik as a clown was not really probable. But, I thought there was a few interesting ideas presented.

What I liked about the novel originally (before I read the original book and when I only knew the musical verision) was the Christine went onto become a prima donna. But, I understand that working at Coney Island would strip Erik of his diginity and I hated that creepy kid that worked for Erik (can't think of his name at the moment.)

It's not the worst thing I've ever read, but it was a ridiculous story in MANY respects. Most of the events were so unrealistic. My favorite "wtf?" passage was when Christine said, "That song...it's Masquerade!" or something to that effect. How would she possibly know that? And the ending confused the hell out of me.

It could have been worse, I suppose...at least Forsyth didn't pull a JKR and name the son "Piangi Phillipe" or something like that.