Daaé’s Violin

Once again, I want to share with you the beautiful illustrations that I found in the adapted edition for learning English. I once saw this book on the OperaGhost.ru website - or rather, only the cover in terrible pixel quality. At that time, I was upset because there were very few illustrations of the Leroux’s blonde Christine, and much more art based on the musical.

It was not possible to buy this book, it was nowhere to be found. And then, by some miracle, I found it on the online store, apparently it was found in some remnants. I picked it up in one second and now I'm happy with the purchase, despite the fact that it's a little shabby (

The illustrations were made by Elena Selivanova, the book itself is British.

There are a lot of illustrations, and they are made with obvious attention to detail. All the characters are absolutely Leroux’s characters, even Raoul has a mustache :)

There are images of chandeliers and Opera. I liked the views from behind the audience, who are sitting in front of us. It feels like we're sitting in the audience with them, listening to Christine sing.

The entourage of the 19th century is reflected, and even the era almost coincides (the dresses seem to be the 1870s, but it's hard for me to judge here, it’s just an illustrations).

I was pleased with the illustrations from the cemetery, and the artist also added an image of the life of Raoul and Christine after the wedding, it is so cute.

This May gives me strong Christine Daaé vibes 🥀

The illustrations are not new, I've seen them before - just in the Korean edition. And now we have a book with these illustrations.

There are a lot of illustrations, they decorate both the cover and accompany the story. It was very, very pleasant to see the scene in the cemetery, Eric's mirrored room, the Sweet nights of Mazandaran, the iron tree from the torture room, the Angel of Music playing the violin to little Lottie. The artist also depicted the directors, Christine and Raoul, walking between the sets.… I've never seen such an illustrated edition of The Phantom.

P.S. Christine is so beautiful 🥰

How Christine changed my life

The photos are in poor quality because they were taken several years ago, but I love them because they remind me of what my life was like, of my dreams, which have now come true.

I've been a fan of "The Phantom of the Opera" for almost a decade, and throughout this time, I've been a huge fan of Christine. I've always dreamed of being her, her embodiment in real life, not in a negative sense, like when someone loses their identity. No, we've found a great connection, and I've become interested in everything that surrounds her. I've started singing academic music, found a teacher, and I live and breathe art. I've become fascinated with the 19th century, and now I wear long dresses and have a Victorian-style home. I'm trying to live like "back then."

All my closest friends, my beloved husband, my work, and my interests are all connected to Christine in one way or another, and I owe it all to her, because when I was a schoolgirl, I read The Phantom of the Opera and saw in Christine that it is possible to be gentle, kind, dreamy, creative, and strong and courageous.

Dear friends,

I am glad to welcome you on my page. My name is Taissa, I am a wife, mother, writer and time traveler.

For nine years now, ever since I got acquainted with Gaston Leroux's amazing novel "The Phantom of the Opera", I have been studying the history, way of life and culture of the late 19th century, especially the 1880s in France and the Russian Empire. This topic turned out to be so consonant with me that very soon I began to learn how to implement the peculiarities of everyday life and routine of that era into my own life.

I'm interested in everything: what people talked about, what they knew, what they heard and listened to, what they were interested in and what they studied.

"The thoughts don't belong to me - it’s an echo of his music lessons. My gestures are echoes of his will. I'm constantly wondering what belongs to me, but everything in the Opera House is subject to his will.

He says: "You're free." At this moment, I feel invisible threads stretching to their limits. This is "freedom" in his perverted understanding: an illusion in a strictly defined space by an experienced illusionist."

Christine: Taissa Valeska

Phantom: my husband

"All the mirrors in the Opera House were lying. They reflected not what is, but what the Phantom desired."

Christine: Taissa Valeska

Phantom: my husband