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Cyrano de Bergerac

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1897

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Book Brief

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Edmond Rostand

Cyrano de Bergerac

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1897
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Paris • 1640s

Theme
Publication Year

1897

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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Super Short Summary

Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand is a tragic romance set in mid-1600s France, revolving around the eloquent yet self-conscious swordsman Cyrano, who helps the handsome but inarticulate Christian woo the beautiful Roxane by ghostwriting passionate love letters. Through a blend of humor, wit, and poetic drama, the play examines themes of unrequited love, beauty, and intellectualism.

Romantic

Bittersweet

Inspirational

Humorous

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

86,149 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand receives widespread acclaim for its eloquent dialogue, complex characters, and themes of love and deception. Critics praise its poetic language and Cyrano's wit, though some find the melodramatic elements over the top. Despite minor critiques, it remains a beloved classic for its timeless emotional resonance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Cyrano de Bergerac?

A reader who would enjoy Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand appreciates classic literature rich in wit, romance, and heroic themes. They likely enjoy works such as Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare and The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. These readers value eloquent dialogue, complex characters, and engaging historical settings.

4.2

86,149 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Cyrano de Bergerac

A skilled swordsman and poet known for his wit and large nose, Cyrano navigates life with a strong sense of honor and unrequited love for his beautiful cousin, Roxane.

A handsome new recruit in the Guards, Christian is admired for his looks but struggles with expressing himself, leading him to seek Cyrano's help in courting Roxane.

Cyrano's beautiful and intelligent cousin, Roxane becomes the object of affection for both Cyrano and Christian, and plays a pivotal role in the romantic dynamics of the story.

A pastry chef and poet who supports his fellow poets with food and friendship, Ragueneau remains loyal to Cyrano and Roxane, showing his passion for both poetry and people.

A nobleman and colonel in the Guards, Guiche initially opposes Cyrano and Christian due to his own interest in Roxane but reveals different aspects of his character as the story unfolds.

A close and supportive friend to Cyrano, Le Bret consistently advises him and remains a loyal figure amidst Cyrano's personal and professional conflicts.

The captain of the Cadets under whom Cyrano serves, Carbon respects Cyrano's leadership and shares the trials faced by the regiment during the war.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Paris • 1640s

Theme
Publication Year

1897

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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