Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand

(9 User reviews)   1557
By Penelope Lefevre Posted on Jan 17, 2026
In Category - Creative Arts
Rostand, Edmond, 1868-1918 Rostand, Edmond, 1868-1918
French
Okay, imagine this: a guy with a brilliant mind and the biggest heart, but he's convinced his unusually large nose makes him impossible to love. That's Cyrano de Bergerac. He's a fierce swordsman, a poetic genius, and secretly in love with his beautiful cousin, Roxane. The catch? She's fallen for a handsome but tongue-tied soldier named Christian. So Cyrano does the wildest, most heartbreaking thing—he uses his own words of love to help Christian win Roxane's heart. It's a story about love letters written by the wrong man, about the masks we wear, and whether true beauty is on the outside or in the soul. It's funny, it's tragic, and it will absolutely wreck you in the best way. You'll laugh at his wit, cheer for his bravery, and then cry into your pillow. It's that good.
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Let me set the scene for you: 17th-century Paris, full of swaggering soldiers and lively theater. At the center of it all is Cyrano, a guard captain known for two things—his incredible skill with a sword and his even more incredible nose. He’s fiercely proud and quick to duel anyone who insults him. Secretly, though, he’s a softie who’s been in love with his sharp-witted cousin, Roxane, for years.

The Story

Cyrano believes his looks make him unworthy of Roxane. So when she confesses she loves a handsome new recruit named Christian, Cyrano’s heart breaks. But here’s the twist: Christian is terrible with words. He can’t string a romantic sentence together to save his life. Seeing a chance to be close to Roxane, Cyrano makes a deal: he’ll write the love letters and coach Christian on what to say. Roxane falls head over heels for the beautiful words, believing they come from Christian. The plan works almost too well, creating a love triangle built on a beautiful lie. The story follows this secret partnership through war, separation, and a final revelation that changes everything.

Why You Should Read It

This isn’t just some old play. It feels incredibly fresh. Cyrano is one of the greatest characters ever written. You’ll love him for his hilarious confidence and ache for his hidden vulnerability. The central question—would you rather be loved for your looks or your soul?—hits hard even today. We all have our own "nose," something we’re insecure about. Rostand wraps these deep ideas in sparkling wit, thrilling duels, and some of the most gorgeous declarations of love you’ll ever read. It’s a rollercoaster that made me laugh out loud one minute and get misty-eyed the next.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a story about underdogs, secret crushes, and the power of words. If you enjoy historical drama with heart, clever dialogue, and a character you’ll never forget, this is your next read. Don’t let the "classic" label scare you—it’s as entertaining as any modern novel. Just have some tissues ready for the ending.



📢 License Information

This book is widely considered to be in the public domain. Distribute this work to help spread literacy.

Logan Wright
1 year ago

I started reading out of curiosity and the emotional weight of the story is balanced perfectly. Truly inspiring.

Ethan Hill
8 months ago

This is one of those stories where the narrative structure is incredibly compelling. A valuable addition to my collection.

Oliver Davis
1 year ago

Helped me clear up some confusion on the topic.

Elizabeth Brown
8 months ago

My professor recommended this, and I see why.

Sandra Robinson
1 week ago

Great read!

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (9 User reviews )

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