Phantom of Manhattan by Frederick Forsyth

"Phantom of Manhattan" by Frederick Forsyth - Why sequel?

This book is published by Corgi Books in 2000 and has 256 pages. 

Well this book claims that Eric Muhlheim, the famous Phantom of Opera did not die.  He survived with the help of a kind lady, Madam Giry, and reached America. There he succeeds. Now that lady has a dying wish. 

What does he succeeded in? Is he still attracted to Opera? Why Phantom of Manhattan? What is the dying wish?

Phantom of Opera is a novel by French author Gaston Leroux, published in 1909-1910. It's the story of a very ugly man who lives in the basement of Paris Opera House anonymously and is dubbed as ghost. He coaches and loves a beautiful soprano, who loves someone else. Then he becomes obsessive and abducts her and eventually dies. Or does he?

Eric has a disfigured face and wears mask.  He is described as Fearsome genius and frighteningly ugly. He succeeds in America with the help of his front man, Darius, who worships and is servant of Mammon, Syrian God of wealth. 

A meeting between the soprano, Christine De Chagne and Eric has to happen and an Opera has to be the backdrop. This time the setting is Manhattan. Despite becoming financially successful, Eric's obsession with Opera and his inability to show his face to anyone are the defining factors of this story. 

Frederick Forsyth writes a sequel to the classic here. What would have inspired him?

He provides a long prologue about the original story. Story of this book is relatively short. Its narrated mostly as a report. 

I really wonder what was the reason to write this sequel? Fredrick Forsyth is known to be a very good author, then why borrow from existing story?

Why did I read this book? Sequel to Phantom of Opera. 

What I didn't like? Eric and Christine meet only twice. 

What did I like? The Opera.

Read if the story line interests you.