One more thing to what I posted about this being my canon- I also appreciate that people don’t forget about his past and sweep it aside. The Girys and Roul still harbor distrust, and rightfully so! Even Christine does at times, though that seems to have passed as their relationship evolves and matures, but it isn’t just magically like the events of PotO never happened. I appreciate that as well. The characters are fleshed out and real, harboring very real apprehensions and insecurities. Brava!

Being stuck in quarantine I’ve started an obsession with musicals. I loved PotO when the movie released and had the soundtrack, but had never seen a musical performance of it until recently when I bought the 25th anniversary performance with Sierra and Ramin. Wanting to continue their tortured story, I watched LND and thought, “What the fuck is this?” and promptly went off to find me some fan fiction that would surely be better than whatever that was. Yours is the fourth or so that I’ve read, and by far the best. I’ve plowed through it over the last three days. I know it’s not done yet, but it’s definitely my head canon right now. I have a history degree, and love historical fiction. Your attention to historical detail is wonderful.

I have to point out my appreciation that Erik is trying to solely live off interest from his wages at the opera, though it really ought to be comfortable living, even with just interest income. I’m not sure if we’ll find out how much he really has banked away in your story, but 20,000 Francs in 1870 had the same buying power as just over $100,000 in US money these days (over $4000 in US 1870), which is well over what normal people made in wages for various occupations and why the new owners were presumably shocked at his demand. A yearly income with that rate is basically the yearly income Mr. Darcy makes in Pride and Prejudice, and we know how much of a hubbub that presented upon his arrival to the country, and living how he does in the story, the Phantom doesn’t spend his money on the likes of Pemberley such as Darcy does. I don’t know how long the Phantom was receiving these wages as we can presume he worked up to these rates, demanding more and more to not cause trouble, but for giggles let’s go with a couple of years. Long story short, he’s got a lot banked, and I appreciate that you explicitly point out he’s trying not to spend that (but it’s still there... is he really as destitute as he sounds in these last chapters, warring with himself over being able to afford an apartment/home? Will we see this investment?)

You write professionally and beautifully. If this were a published book, I would have it on my bookshelf. And thank you for putting this in a legitimate historical setting. I’ve enjoyed it, and the trivia, so much. When you point out songs, I play them while I read. When you mention historical dates, I look up what happened at that point during this war. It’s wonderful, and I’m glad it’s here.

It seems inappropriate to have waited 54 chapters to say this, but oof, this was an emotional sledgehammer, I don't know how I go back to my normal work day now!

WOW - I have just read this entire story over the course of a day and a bit, it has been a real effort to tear myself away and do anything else. What an amazing writer you are! Your words have woven such a vivid picture in my mind. It is clear how much time and effort you put into each chapter - and to excellent effect. This is really so much more than fanfic. The world you have painted is vivid and real, your attention to historical details brings such depth and character to the whole piece. Your plotlines are detailed and engaging. I have to say, it has been an absolute JOY to discover a version of Christine so multifaceted and complex - as is Erik. So often, frustratingly, they are drawn in such bland or improbable ways rather than fully engaging with and exploring their motivations and frailties - as you have done. Christine is often annoyingly limp and vapid (not how I choose to imagine her). I think yours is my favourite version of her I have ever read. You make the whole story - from the bizarre events of the Opera House to this chapter - seem plausible and real in a way that does not detract from their interest or make the story in any way mundane. Honestly - this novel is shockingly good. I really hope you will continue to update because I never want this story to end and I am desperate to know what happens next! Have you considered retelling your version of the events at the Opera? The glimpses you show throughout this story make me reshape the whole saga in my mind, I would love to read your telling of it as I imagine it would be utterly absorbing, as is this. (While I appreciate it is unnecessary, I am just thinking of how sad it will be when you do finally get to the end of this tale...) Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story - it is clearly a labour of love and your time and effort is very much appreciated. Really, really looking forward to the next installment, hoping against hope that Erik and Christine can continue to fight and claw their way to a fulfilling life together!

Glad you are back! Can’t wait for more!

An update! I am smiling like a damned fool! So excited to read it! Ahhhhhhh!

An absolutely astounding work that doesn't read like fan-fiction - it reads like a book. I couldn't tear myself away from this! Two chapters when I wake up, two when I go to sleep. Bathroom? Chapter. Putting away dishes? Chapter. Workout? Chapter.

Solo for the Living is a masterpiece in so many ways, but the real selling point is that this work is very plausibly what could have happened based on real events that were happening at the time. Most fan-fics are all woo woo and thirst-traps and then that's the end. This is so much more.

Tango1 delves into the characters and doesn't hesitate to call them out on their crap. Erik with his ever-present angst and incessant "no one can love me" plight, Raoul's desperation to be the hero, Christine's meekness and pushover qualities - along with creating other characters that have just as much depth as our originals. It's satisfying to watch the characters work through their issues and grow as they progress through the story.

A last note I will add: after five days of feverish reading, I feel like I have a better understanding of the characters - especially Erik. His need for music, the need to hear his music, to hear Christine sing...it makes sense now. After 27 years of fawning over Phantom of the Opera, I feel like I finally get it.

Thank you, Tango1. This is truly a masterpiece. I look forward to every new chapter!

Wow! I really love this story...it is great to have a story of Erik and Christine together sharing a real life together! I love how everyone is mixed in with them especially Raoul and Madam Giry and Meg. I love Erik's new life, and the war story as well. I have been reading non stop for days to get to this point! I'm so sad to not be able to read all the way to the finish right now! What will I do?! Lol. Will be anxiously waiting! Great job!

Absolutely love this fanfic, waiting for next chapters, keep up the good work ️

Woah *fans face* I did not expect them to give in to their desires so fast. But I guess dancing around their sexual tension isn’t gonna do them both any good. I love it. I know it’s emotional and a daunting thing for them.

I'M LITERALLY SHAKING WITH EXCITEMENT SJSJDHDHD SUPPER SCENE NEXT OH MY THE DRAMA

I liked how you broke the news of their un-engagement through Meg's POV. Also I adore this interaction between Meg and Christine it's so heartwarming they really do have each other's backs Also Erik is still haunted and longing for Christine oof very sad

It never occurred to me to think about how the scandal would affect how Christine was perceived in Parisian society. It’s drenched in misogyny and I know it’s set in a different timeline but it’s awful nonetheless

Ahhh nothing like a hate-fueled makeout session reunion. I love it, I love it.

Nice to have a look into Erik’s thoughts. Glad he didn’t kill Madame Giry. Also is that a tiny hint of redemption Anyways I am hooked