I have most recently finished Phantom by Susan Kay. I was utterly entranced by this novel. It serves as a prequel to the affair at the opera house by telling Erik's entire life story. The narrative is taken on by the significant players in Erik's history, or by Erik himself.
Beginning with Madeline, Erik's mother, the novel tells of his birth, childhood and upbringing; continued by Erik, his life with the gypsies as a freak in their carnival is related. Erik's adventures take him all over Europe Asia. He is a mason's apprentice in Italy, a memeber of the Shah's court in Persia, and finally, an architect who helped to build the very Opera House he later haunts as the Phantom. The tale is magical and moving, written with incredible skill and emotion.
The ending of this novel has a delightful twist that I absolutely loved; Phans who wish the musical ended differently will probably feel the same way. I encourage everyone to read this novel.