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ForestScribe4

@forestscribe4

she/her, born in the 80s. Here you will see Phantom of the Opera, classic film, nature, history and any other randomness I enjoy! I lurk around AO3 as IdyllViolet
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Reblogged from-aldebaran
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This is one of those small restaurants around Montmartre, with home cuisine and heart-warming traditions. Its owner will offer you a nice dinner and a nice story. Her name is Veronique, and she is Gaston Leroux’s great granddaughter. Former “Le Fauteuil Hanté”, now “La Cave de Gaston Leroux” is located 106 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris. Touring France and watching myself places, connected with Gaston Leroux and his hero, the Phantom of the Opera, I couldn’t help visiting Veronique’s restaurant and asking her some questions, special for my site. So here are some extras from the interview. Me: Being journalist, Gaston Leroux visited Russia, and we know, he loved this country. Have you ever been to Russia, or do you have plans to visit it? Veronique: No, I haven’t been there, but I’d love to, because my grandfather André Gaston was born in Russia. Me: That’s great! And speaking of Russia, the best known book of Leroux in Russia is The Phantom of the Opera. And what about France? And what is your favorite book of you great grandfather? Veronique: Yes, worldwide known book is definitely The Phantom of the Opera. But in France more popular books are stories about Rouletabille, like Le Mystère de la chambre jaune, and Le Parfum de la dame en noir, and adventures of Chéri-bibi. But my favorite novel is Le Roi Mystère. In this novel Gaston Leroux described Paris, Montmartre, and there were some characters based on himself and his friends. So when I moved to Paris, I was able to feel everything my great grandfather described. Me: It’s a pity, this novel hasn’t being translated into Russian yet. And what about The Phantom of the Opera? I know, its manuscript is located now in Bibliothèque nationale de France. And other Leroux’s manuscripts? Are they in family archives? Veronique: Alas, my mother’s brothers give them all away to Bibliothèque nationale. My mother was against it, because they are of family heritage. So we tried to return them. We’d like to found museum dedicated to Gaston Leroux and his works. Unfortunately, my mother died some years ago, so the question of the museum and manuscripts is still opened. Me: I’m so sorry! I wish, one day the museum of Gaston Leroux will appear. Veronique: I hope so. I collect staff connected to Gaston’s masterpieces, and his personal things. My collection is big already, and I’d like to share it with others. She asked me too, about my site and why I created it. And also she told the stories about Gaston Leroux, his life in Nice, and shared some anecdotes about him. For example, he was not only bon vivant, but also a gambler. He adored casinos and spent many evenings there. And there was a pet in Leroux’s family, St. Bernard dog. Leroux’s wife Jeanne, being uneasy with his gambling, always took the dog to the casino. Dog entered, went to Leroux, and that was the signal to cut the game. Both, Leroux and his dog came home. And that dog was one and only, who had a permission to enter this casino. We talked more, and also I tasted her meals. Veronique cooks herself, and does it perfectly. I asked for the recipe of wickedly good spicy fish, but she gladly shares anecdotes about Gaston Leroux’s private life, but not her own recipes. Dear Veronique, thank you for your kindness! I really appreciate your hospitality and can’t wait welcoming you in Russia!

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An interesting interview with Gaston Leroux’s great granddaughter, especially the parts about is other works and anecdotes from his life

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