About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating the messy intersection of grief, artistic ambition, and the realization that people are rarely just heroes or villains. It is a sophisticated choice for readers who feel like outsiders or those fascinated by the high drama of the performing arts. The story follows Christine, a young singer mourning her father, who becomes the obsession of a masked musical genius living beneath the Paris Opera House. While often categorized as a romance or horror, the heart of the book is a deep exploration of loneliness and the psychological impact of being cast out by society. It is appropriate for middle and high schoolers who can handle dark themes and complex vocabulary. Parents might choose this to help a child process the idea that even talented or powerful people can be deeply flawed, or to explore how unresolved grief can make one vulnerable to influence.
