I read it recently in Greek. (I still don’t believe how many books are out there that I can’t find in English.) It was my first by Karen Branson and I was surprised by her voice. Readers who love Phantom of the Opera but not necessarily Christine should read Professor Klenow and a whole new world will open for them. A genius in Philosophy, a cynic in his core and most of all--mainly because of the impact it has on him--an extremely ugly man, Professor Klenow is the first to ridicule his appearance. More than that, his imminent blindness urges the reader to feel sorry for him and wish Elise (the woman he saved from suicide at first and then from her awful--yet three-dimensional-- villainous father) returned his “love”. Everything seems familiar, isn’t it? I read a review where Professor Klenow was compared to Quasimodo but Erik --and his genius-- was instantly brought to mind. Especially when young, beautiful Elize falls for the young, handsome sculptor. But is “Love” was the Professor feels? Branson dissects the feelings that other writers cover under the huge umbrella called “love”. Possessiveness --real, ugly possessiveness-- the need to control the other, manipulation, lies, emotional blackmail, use of intellect to rule the less…cunning. The ruthless use of the pity one induces to others. Everything that in subtle, small doses defines human relationships is there, until Professor Klenow slowly yet gradually comes out as a sadistic, merciless man, using every power he has to keep a woman captured in a way that brings to mind John Fowles and The Collector. Imagine that according to a quick search I did, Karen Bramson wrote this in 1923, 13 years after Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera and 40 years before The Collector.
I’m an avid fan of POTO but I find Branson’s play almost modern in its economy (the medium of course helps) and fresh in its feminist view. I also managed to appreciate more Leroux’s final scene --the redemption of his main character. (If you read “Professor Klenow” you might get an idea what would have happened in one of the most common “what if” questions most fans have.) I admit there are spoilers in my review but since this is a rare book I hope this becomes a reason for one to read it in case there’s a copy forgotten in a library…somewhere. (Darn! I feel as one of Ray Bradury’s characters in Fahrenheit 451. My memory keeps books alive...) Anyway, Karen Branson's play is short and certainly worth the reading rollercoaster for someone who has read POTO. In the end, Professor Klenow ends up a victor in his battle with Beauty, revealing a struggle that had nothing to do with Love and everything to do with conquering and possessing...a war with strategies, victims and casualties that as all wars leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. PS: According to Wikipedia the book could be written in 1902 with its first title being “The Strongest” something that makes it written before Leroux’s Phantom AND brings all interesting Freudian and Darwinian thoughts in mind.
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September 2018
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