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Cyrano
Cyrano de Bergerac is a flamboyant character and a skilled swordsman, not in the least afraid of drawing attention to himself in public - for he can be highly amusing, even at his own expense, with jokes about his enormous nose. But he has a he has fallen in love with his beautiful cousin Roxane, and because of his own appearance is too ashamed to declare his love. Meanwhile Roxane is besotted with a handsome, but foolish young man, Christian, in the same company of guards as Cyrano. Cyrano is devastated by this, and horrified by her request that he should protect the young man and encourage him to write her love letters. Writing letters is something Christian can't do - but Cyrano generously offers to help, even if it means breaking his own heart. Soon Cyrano pours out his feelings in the most romantic letters ever. The question is will Roxane discover the truth? And if she does will it be too late for Cyrano?
176 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2006
4 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Geraldine McCaughrean
349 books327 followersGeraldine McCaughrean is a British children's novelist. She has written more than 170 books, including Peter Pan in Scarlet (2004), the official sequel to Peter Pan commissioned by Great Ormond Street Hospital, the holder of Peter Pan's copyright. Her work has been translated into 44 languages worldwide. She has received the Carnegie Medal twice and the Michael L. Printz Award among others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 9, 2021
Cyrano is plagued by two things - his love for his cousin Roxanne and his abnormally large nose. Neither is anything he feel he can control and so, instead, he meddles in the affairs of Roxanne's heart and aids her quest in becoming romantically involved with another.
This was a book that proved as full of wit as it was sorrow. Poor Cyrano ceaselessly yearned for the beautiful Roxanne but his own insecurities disallowed him to ever voice these desires in her hearing. War loomed and separated the individuals even further, but she never became removed from his heart.
Despite this sorrow, Cyrano was an individual full of hilarious jibes and quick retorts that were littered throughout every interaction featured in the book. I am glad the reader was afforded a fuller depiction of his personality, asides from the side that pined.
I had a pleasant time with this little story but my personal preference for tragedy had me longing to return to the hopeless matters of the heart and I ultimately appreciated far less the interactions that filled the pages, alongside them.
This was a book that proved as full of wit as it was sorrow. Poor Cyrano ceaselessly yearned for the beautiful Roxanne but his own insecurities disallowed him to ever voice these desires in her hearing. War loomed and separated the individuals even further, but she never became removed from his heart.
Despite this sorrow, Cyrano was an individual full of hilarious jibes and quick retorts that were littered throughout every interaction featured in the book. I am glad the reader was afforded a fuller depiction of his personality, asides from the side that pined.
I had a pleasant time with this little story but my personal preference for tragedy had me longing to return to the hopeless matters of the heart and I ultimately appreciated far less the interactions that filled the pages, alongside them.
February 25, 2022
This month GR Catching Up on the Classics is reading Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand. I feel a challenge. So I have started with some fan fiction and now am ready to continue on to the play.
This novel tells a powerful love story. I look forward to reading the original.
This novel tells a powerful love story. I look forward to reading the original.
May 30, 2021
A nice YA re-telling of one of my favorite plays.
December 28, 2019
Panache! Panache! Panache!
It is indeed a story of a hopelessly in love of Cyrano, the ugly long-nose army. He's not only fighting the war towards men to stand for his country, but fighting war against himself to stand for his friend, Christian. He sacrificed his own feelings to see someone else happy.
There are death in the end, but ended graciously. What a beautiful short story this is. A love story embroided with pain, sacrifice, respect, friendship and beautiful curated words.
It is indeed a story of a hopelessly in love of Cyrano, the ugly long-nose army. He's not only fighting the war towards men to stand for his country, but fighting war against himself to stand for his friend, Christian. He sacrificed his own feelings to see someone else happy.
There are death in the end, but ended graciously. What a beautiful short story this is. A love story embroided with pain, sacrifice, respect, friendship and beautiful curated words.
April 10, 2022
It was a fast and easy read. Basically what you’d expect a novelization of a play to be.
April 10, 2012
Cyrano de Bergerac has a witty tongue, flare with a pen, and a dynamic hand with a sword.
But he has lost his heart.
To the fair and clever Roxane.
Who has lost her own to another.
When she asks her dear friend to assist Christian, the young soldier who has caught her attention, Cyrano feels the sting of defeat.
And the light of possibility.
In the chance—however underhanded—to tell Roxane exactly how he feels.
Through Christian.
But with war on the horizon, Christian’s less than stellar way with words, and an evil villain plotting in the foreground, can this possibly end well?
In Cyrano, Geraldine McCaughrean offers a lightning fast rendition of one of the greatest—and most romantic dramas—in literature. I dare you to set it down before the final page. And beware. Or Cyrano might skewer the plume on your hat!
But he has lost his heart.
To the fair and clever Roxane.
Who has lost her own to another.
When she asks her dear friend to assist Christian, the young soldier who has caught her attention, Cyrano feels the sting of defeat.
And the light of possibility.
In the chance—however underhanded—to tell Roxane exactly how he feels.
Through Christian.
But with war on the horizon, Christian’s less than stellar way with words, and an evil villain plotting in the foreground, can this possibly end well?
In Cyrano, Geraldine McCaughrean offers a lightning fast rendition of one of the greatest—and most romantic dramas—in literature. I dare you to set it down before the final page. And beware. Or Cyrano might skewer the plume on your hat!
March 23, 2022
I measured Risk against Truth and Truth was longer!
Fear strove with Honour and Honour proved stronger!
I loved the 2022 musical film adaptation, was able to watch it three times before the film left my theater and that's what led me to find this book. I'm also going to try reading the classic play that this young adult version was based upon, Cyrano de Bergerac. While I'm on the Cyrano kick, I'm hoping to watch the Steve Martin film, Roxane. It's interesting with the different adaptations, what the author or director chooses to focus on. Both this book and the 2022 film kept planetary themes and oranges in the story. The book, however, is much heavier on cosmic allusions.
Favorite Passages:
"Let's give the moon something to watch! Let's be meteors and blaze our names in the sky! Life is rapture . . . and tonight I am a hundred men in one!"
______
One hundred against one they came,
Their blades as silver as the rain.
Then wished themselves back home again
When they met . . . blah blah . . . in the lane!
______
The sky had blown away, leaving only the dark. The planets unthreaded from their spheres and rolled away into blackness.
______
"I'll wear hate like a Spanish ruff to keep my head held high!"
______
Like starlings roosting at sunset, the letters fluttered into Roxane's life: Sometimes single sonnets, sometimes twelve pages of close-written prose told her of her inner and outward perfections. Their language was so full of stars and planets, comets and constellations that reading them was like looking through a telescope. Whole menageries of animals were pressed into the service of simile. Angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim flew to the cause of Love. Myth and magic, alchemy and astronomy were woven into flying carpets and laid at her feet.
______
Inside Cyrano, his heart slammed over and over again, not so much like a drum but a broken door banging in the wind.
______
They looked like so many dead chickens hanging on a butcher's stall - too puny and meatless for anyone to buy.
______
They were to be sandcastles staving off an incoming tide. Bones to keep savage dogs occupied for a while. Matches to fend off the dark.
______
Doubt stood between them like a third person.
______
Not for the first time, de Guiche discovered that, when he talked about himself, his own words tasted like burnt coffee.
______
"It's true: I have everything: wealth, rank, influence, renown . . . And yet. And yet . . . De Bergerac is richer in the things that truly matter. He has stayed true to himself. He's preserved his integrity. He's never settled for half-truths or second-best - never fawned on the rich for the sake of a handout. He's never lied or flattered or changed his opinion to curry popularity; never kept silent to save his own skin. He's never slandered a man behind his back. He's never backed down in an argument or surrendered in a fight. Pity him, le Bret? I don't pity Cyrano de Bergerac. I envy him a life well lived. And I'd be proud to shake his hand, if ever I was man enough to do it."
______
All the parallel lines of the universe meet in you, my Infinity. All the great circles of the world were formed to cradle you. The sun draws its heat from my passion. The moon is pale with longing, on my behalf. And must I never see you again?
Fear strove with Honour and Honour proved stronger!
I loved the 2022 musical film adaptation, was able to watch it three times before the film left my theater and that's what led me to find this book. I'm also going to try reading the classic play that this young adult version was based upon, Cyrano de Bergerac. While I'm on the Cyrano kick, I'm hoping to watch the Steve Martin film, Roxane. It's interesting with the different adaptations, what the author or director chooses to focus on. Both this book and the 2022 film kept planetary themes and oranges in the story. The book, however, is much heavier on cosmic allusions.
Favorite Passages:
"Let's give the moon something to watch! Let's be meteors and blaze our names in the sky! Life is rapture . . . and tonight I am a hundred men in one!"
______
One hundred against one they came,
Their blades as silver as the rain.
Then wished themselves back home again
When they met . . . blah blah . . . in the lane!
______
The sky had blown away, leaving only the dark. The planets unthreaded from their spheres and rolled away into blackness.
______
"I'll wear hate like a Spanish ruff to keep my head held high!"
______
Like starlings roosting at sunset, the letters fluttered into Roxane's life: Sometimes single sonnets, sometimes twelve pages of close-written prose told her of her inner and outward perfections. Their language was so full of stars and planets, comets and constellations that reading them was like looking through a telescope. Whole menageries of animals were pressed into the service of simile. Angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim flew to the cause of Love. Myth and magic, alchemy and astronomy were woven into flying carpets and laid at her feet.
______
Inside Cyrano, his heart slammed over and over again, not so much like a drum but a broken door banging in the wind.
______
They looked like so many dead chickens hanging on a butcher's stall - too puny and meatless for anyone to buy.
______
They were to be sandcastles staving off an incoming tide. Bones to keep savage dogs occupied for a while. Matches to fend off the dark.
______
Doubt stood between them like a third person.
______
Not for the first time, de Guiche discovered that, when he talked about himself, his own words tasted like burnt coffee.
______
"It's true: I have everything: wealth, rank, influence, renown . . . And yet. And yet . . . De Bergerac is richer in the things that truly matter. He has stayed true to himself. He's preserved his integrity. He's never settled for half-truths or second-best - never fawned on the rich for the sake of a handout. He's never lied or flattered or changed his opinion to curry popularity; never kept silent to save his own skin. He's never slandered a man behind his back. He's never backed down in an argument or surrendered in a fight. Pity him, le Bret? I don't pity Cyrano de Bergerac. I envy him a life well lived. And I'd be proud to shake his hand, if ever I was man enough to do it."
______
All the parallel lines of the universe meet in you, my Infinity. All the great circles of the world were formed to cradle you. The sun draws its heat from my passion. The moon is pale with longing, on my behalf. And must I never see you again?
March 25, 2019
This story has broken my heart twice in two days 💔
Cyrano is such a beautiful character 💕
Cyrano is such a beautiful character 💕
December 27, 2021
Listened to full cast audio version
February 2, 2021
‘My love has need of colours never seen, and words never coined.’
I loved McCaughrean’s The White Darkness and her Shakespeare re-tellings as a teenager, so I really enjoyed coming back to her writing with Cyrano.
This is a short and very sweet retelling of Rostand’s play - the prose and protagonist were the definite standouts. The writing is poetic and precise and Cyrano himself is so endearing. It’s very melodramatic in a way I was really fond of - lots of fencing and feathered hats and declarations of undying love shouted up at jasmine-covered balconies. A very easy, elegant read.
I loved McCaughrean’s The White Darkness and her Shakespeare re-tellings as a teenager, so I really enjoyed coming back to her writing with Cyrano.
This is a short and very sweet retelling of Rostand’s play - the prose and protagonist were the definite standouts. The writing is poetic and precise and Cyrano himself is so endearing. It’s very melodramatic in a way I was really fond of - lots of fencing and feathered hats and declarations of undying love shouted up at jasmine-covered balconies. A very easy, elegant read.
November 6, 2011
Absolutely hilarious; I was laughing from the very first words of the beginning chapter. Cyrano is the sort of full-of-himself character which somehow manages to be sincere and endearing rather than obnoxious and an absolute blow-gut. He's the sort of friend everyone would like to have for any occasion.
I confess that I have not yet read the play for which this book is based off of, so I can neither commend nor frown at the Author for any particular liberties she might have taken. But from what I do know of the original story, Geraldine McCaughrean did a splendid job in its retelling without changing anything. Cyrano has always been a stage-stealing character, and the Author only brings him more to life, and ending everything tragically without leaving the Reader feeling disappointed.
Two thumbs for Cyrano!
I confess that I have not yet read the play for which this book is based off of, so I can neither commend nor frown at the Author for any particular liberties she might have taken. But from what I do know of the original story, Geraldine McCaughrean did a splendid job in its retelling without changing anything. Cyrano has always been a stage-stealing character, and the Author only brings him more to life, and ending everything tragically without leaving the Reader feeling disappointed.
Two thumbs for Cyrano!
February 17, 2012
This book is probably the most beautiful piece of literature that I've ever read. I usually have a bit of a hard time understanding old english, but this was just so brilliantly done that I was able to get it. The language used and the forms of speech was just breathtaking, and I know that it sounds exaggerated, but it's not. It was funny, witty, and heartbreaking. It just made me feel.
May 4, 2007
this is one of the most beautiful novels I've ever read. I was in tears by the end, and I haven't cried over a book in years. it's a short book - it only took me a hour or so to read - but so much beauty is crammed into it. forget it's a YA book, and just read it. I can't recommend this enough.
December 12, 2014
I have now read this book twice and it interester and entertained me both times. The character of Cyrano was a great one and the story ended sadly but some how satisfyingly. Recommend it very much.
July 30, 2022
I very much enjoyed the audio of this. Damn Cyrano and his pride. I also preferred listening to this over the recent musical movie adaptation.
September 3, 2023
I have a firm attachment to the story of Cyrano de Bergerac since I played a bit-part in the RSC’s touring production of it in 1998. I had a great time being in the play, but I also fell in love with the story itself. I was drawn to the Quixotic, heroic figure of Cyrano, a genius poet and skilled swordsman whose aspirations to romantic hero are let down only by his massive nose.
Seeing the short length and large print of Geraldine McCaughrean’s Cyrano, I knew to expect it to be slimmed down and what I got was what I expected, a sweet but slight version of the story. There were some elisions of character, like Le Bret and the set-upon poet being the same man. I was sad that the duel in rhyme was removed, having him duel while teaching the Comte better insults he could have used. The book also cut a lot of the details of Cyrano’s love poetry and wit out. Often reporting that witticisms were said or sublime love poetry pronounced, then actually showing it.
However, the key moments from the play are in the book and the characters remained themselves. My favourite part of the play is the last scene, where Cyrano has been grievously wounded but tries to perform his visit anyway. It kept his duel against the ghosts at the end, which allows him to die fighting, his panache untarnished.
This Cyrano doesn’t have the full emotional effect as seeing the play, and I think a more detailed novelisation would be a good thing, but it’s a delightful little read that whiles away an hour or two.
Seeing the short length and large print of Geraldine McCaughrean’s Cyrano, I knew to expect it to be slimmed down and what I got was what I expected, a sweet but slight version of the story. There were some elisions of character, like Le Bret and the set-upon poet being the same man. I was sad that the duel in rhyme was removed, having him duel while teaching the Comte better insults he could have used. The book also cut a lot of the details of Cyrano’s love poetry and wit out. Often reporting that witticisms were said or sublime love poetry pronounced, then actually showing it.
However, the key moments from the play are in the book and the characters remained themselves. My favourite part of the play is the last scene, where Cyrano has been grievously wounded but tries to perform his visit anyway. It kept his duel against the ghosts at the end, which allows him to die fighting, his panache untarnished.
This Cyrano doesn’t have the full emotional effect as seeing the play, and I think a more detailed novelisation would be a good thing, but it’s a delightful little read that whiles away an hour or two.
June 26, 2017
2.6 stars:
I picked up this book because I read McCaughrean's 2005 book The White Darkness and it is one of my favourite books of all time. I wanted to see what else McCaughrean has written.
Romeo and Juliet can be a painful read, because you know it's a tragedy, you know it will end poorly. I felt the same about Cyrano, except I wasn't familiar with the story so I didn't know in which way it would end poorly. It was painful to read about all this longing and heartbreak.
Cyrano de Bergerac was a real person in history, but he was immortalised in the 1897 play bearing his name, written by Edmond Rostand. McCaughrean's retelling is of Rostand's play, not Cyrano's real life. It took me a while to realise that's what made me unable to truly connect with the characters, even though I read it as audiobook with a full cast. The writing is poetic, the characters are three-dimensional and interesting, there is action and comedy and suspense but... I miss the little things. The small every day details. That's what made this retelling feel superficial for me, and that's my main complaint.
I picked up this book because I read McCaughrean's 2005 book The White Darkness and it is one of my favourite books of all time. I wanted to see what else McCaughrean has written.
Romeo and Juliet can be a painful read, because you know it's a tragedy, you know it will end poorly. I felt the same about Cyrano, except I wasn't familiar with the story so I didn't know in which way it would end poorly. It was painful to read about all this longing and heartbreak.
Cyrano de Bergerac was a real person in history, but he was immortalised in the 1897 play bearing his name, written by Edmond Rostand. McCaughrean's retelling is of Rostand's play, not Cyrano's real life. It took me a while to realise that's what made me unable to truly connect with the characters, even though I read it as audiobook with a full cast. The writing is poetic, the characters are three-dimensional and interesting, there is action and comedy and suspense but... I miss the little things. The small every day details. That's what made this retelling feel superficial for me, and that's my main complaint.
March 3, 2022
This is the second audiobook I've done that had a full cast and I am loving the experience! I read Cyrano back in high school and with the new movie coming out, I wanted to refresh myself on the story.
This didn't disappoint. It was entertaining, there were sound effects, and every character had a different voice actor. I appreciate audiobooks where the narrator will do different voices to differentiate between characters, but there is something about a full cast audio that really makes it an experience.
The story is the same as I remember so I didn't feel like this was retelling even though some people claim it is. All the same names are used and the story doesn't change to be a different ending. It's a fun listen and a sweet, easy story. I would probably rate the story more along the lines of 3 stars, but I rated up for the audio experience because the full cast was worth all the stars. I would definitely recommend this one.
This didn't disappoint. It was entertaining, there were sound effects, and every character had a different voice actor. I appreciate audiobooks where the narrator will do different voices to differentiate between characters, but there is something about a full cast audio that really makes it an experience.
The story is the same as I remember so I didn't feel like this was retelling even though some people claim it is. All the same names are used and the story doesn't change to be a different ending. It's a fun listen and a sweet, easy story. I would probably rate the story more along the lines of 3 stars, but I rated up for the audio experience because the full cast was worth all the stars. I would definitely recommend this one.
August 5, 2025
This short novel languished on my bookshelf for years, unread and always in a pile of books I must get round to. I’m so glad I did…. This is a wonderful story, retold by an author who understands the Romantics and makes them palatable for our times. The cast of characters are exceptional from the misunderstood villain, de Guiche, the beautiful heroine, Roxane, the naive hero, Christian, and the faithful friends, Le Bret and Ragueneau. Above them all is the towering hero, Cyrano, “Into the garden came Death, his grinning skull lacking any size or shape of nose. And at his back came the hundred assassins who had bedevilled Cyrano’s life since first he had buckled on a sword: Untruth-Injustice-Hypocrisy-Cant-Bigotry-Corruption-Compromise…”
At its core, the story is simple, the ugliest man is the most noble. But it’s a far richer tale than that and the Romantic conventions make it a beautiful story, full of love, honesty and integrity. A total pleasure to read.
❤️❤️❤️
At its core, the story is simple, the ugliest man is the most noble. But it’s a far richer tale than that and the Romantic conventions make it a beautiful story, full of love, honesty and integrity. A total pleasure to read.
❤️❤️❤️
February 20, 2018
I really wish more people would pick this up and give it a read.
It is a quick retelling of a classic tale. It's a very short and doesn't take long to read, and I honestly couldn't put it down until I finished.
It is absolutely hilarious, and actually made me laugh aloud often, its utterly romantic and the language used is beautiful. It may not be the usual genre you may read, but I would seriously recommend you give a few short hours of time to this story.
It is a quick retelling of a classic tale. It's a very short and doesn't take long to read, and I honestly couldn't put it down until I finished.
It is absolutely hilarious, and actually made me laugh aloud often, its utterly romantic and the language used is beautiful. It may not be the usual genre you may read, but I would seriously recommend you give a few short hours of time to this story.
March 22, 2023
A couple months ago I watched the most recent movie adaptation of "Cyrano" and it quickly became one of my top favorite movies.
I decided on the audio book as I thought it would be the only way the emotion of this story could be short.
Though well done and enjoyable the movie still went above and beyond.
"Panache"
I decided on the audio book as I thought it would be the only way the emotion of this story could be short.
Though well done and enjoyable the movie still went above and beyond.
"Panache"
May 30, 2017
A beautiful re-telling of the story told in Rostand's play. Geraldine McCaughrean keeps the atmosphere of the original but her version is easily accessible to children and retains the humour and pathos of the play.
July 24, 2019
Absolutely enthralling story with such vibrant characters and extraordinary tales. This book had my attention from start to finish and it being only about 114 pages makes it a quick and emotional read. I enjoy the unexpected ending keeping me on my toes. Great read!
January 8, 2020
Rereading for the umpteenth time does nothing to reduce this stories impact. It is a beautiful adaptation of an incredibly witty, romantic and emotional play. It’s a bite-sized love story that is beyond comparable to the other great romances. I adore it.
May 14, 2018
This is a ridiculous story AND I LOVE IT. McCaughrean really does have a way with words.
August 9, 2018
I liked the unique story line and the over dramatic characters. It made for an interesting and enjoyable read. It is an old tragic love story, however I wasn't sad for the characters at the end.
October 13, 2019
This is a humorous book, that I feel is a classic and the characters are very realistic (you can almost see them)
February 12, 2021
I was hoping for a new twist on the story, but this is a solid retelling if the plot of the play.
January 3, 2025
Why was he her cousin. Fine retelling of the story
April 13, 2025
Might be because we read it in my French class, either way it sucked. I do NOT like reading about romances between cousins 😭🙏
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews