As we near the end of the semester, the work load only continues to pile up for me, but I have managed to do some light reading over the past couple of weeks. Here is what I recommend.
Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux is a gothic classic that is a lot of things at once. It’s gothic, but it’s also a mystery, a romance, a comedy, and a mix of other genres. The story follows Christine Daae, a young woman who has been raised in a Paris opera house, an opera house that is also haunted. A mysterious phantom haunts the opera house, and this phantom also teaches Christine her singing. Her talent captures her childhood love Raoul’s attention, causing the phantom to be jealous. Christine and Raoul realize their love might be dangerous as the phantom acts more violent out of his jealousy.
This book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, and the narrative is immersive. The Paris Opera House is a place that feels magical and haunted throughout the novel, and the cast of characters is intriguing. I appreciated the detective-like writing style and the occasional switch in point of views. Phantom of the Opera is a story that is fun to pick apart and is perfect for fans of gothic literature.
The Summer You Were There by Yuama is a manga series which follows Shizuku, a shy high schooler who is writing a novel that she doesn’t want to show anybody. That is, until her popular classmate Kaori gets her hands on Shizuku’s manuscript. In a surprising turn of events, Kaori suggests that in order for Shizuku to get more material for her novel, the two of them should start dating.
I appreciated the complexity of the two main characters, and without giving too much away, the love story is not what it seems. However, the romance between the characters is beautiful. A relationship that feels like something stronger than a friendship and a romantic one combined. Across six novels, the series keeps a consistent pace as well. It’s another book that’s perfect for fans of stories that take you on an emotional rollercoaster.
By Merryn Overbeck ‘28
Featured Image Source: Douron
Book Cover Image Source: Apple Books
