Publishers Weekly
In this eloquent and spirited retelling of Edmond Rostand's classic play, McCaughrean (Peter Pan in Scarlet, reviewed above) recreates Cyrano de Bergerac as a charming and sympathetic hero. In an opening scene in a theatre, Cyrano berates the star of the play, and his rival Comte de Guiche sends an envoy to "do something about [Cyrano]." As in Rostand's play, the envoy hurls insults at Cyrano about his large nose, to which the hero responds by suggesting a catalogue of wittier insults (e.g., "The Insult Unsporting: You must be the only man who can win a race by a nose before the starter has even fired his gun!") McCaughrean, however, threads in information about the real de Bergerac, who was in love with his cousin (in Rostand's play, the two are not related). Cyrano so adores Roxane that he woos her by proxy, letting her believe that his words are those of a soldier in his regiment, Christian, who, though handsome, lacks wit. He keeps up this ruse long after Christian's death; 15 years later, as Cyrano lays dying, Roxane realizes the truth. The omniscient narrator seems to be infected with the hero's cleverness: to demonstrate his regiment's affection for Cyrano, the narrative states, "With his bowsprit of a nose, he was the flagship of their fleet." All the elements of the original are here, freshly presented the pathos of "ugly" Cyrano's unrequited love for beautiful Roxane, the flourish of his penned love letters, and the public posturing that nearly obscured his underlying integrity. Ages 12-up. (Oct.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
VOYA
- Shari Fesko
The classic play about a homely, poetic swordsman in love with a woman whom he feels is beyond him is brought to vivid life in this adaptation. In magically lyrical verse, McCaughrean breathes new energy into this old story while still keeping its romantic, adventurous authenticity. Cyrano is a character for the ages-a brave and kind person who sacrifices his own needs to do what he believes that his beloved Roxanne desires. He allows his handsome friend and fellow soldier, Christian, to use his words to woo Roxanne, who had already fallen for him from afar. Set against the backdrop of war, it truly is an enduring romance, and although the ending is far from happily-ever-after, teens are sure to get swept up in this epic tale. McCaughrean paints a vivid picture of long-ago France from the plumes (called panaches in those days) coming from gentlemen's hats to the delightful smells emanating from a local bakery. Her attention to detail makes this book a possible tie-in for both high school history and English classes. The complexity of the language might make it a better choice for upper middle school and high school readers, but the book is highly recommended for school and public library collections alike.
School Library Journal
Gr 9 Up-McCaughrean retells the classic tale in accessible language that is both entertaining and tender. Cyrano de Bergerac has panache, a fact that is evidenced both by the ever-present white plume in his hat and by his swagger. He is a man of action, a soldier, a man of letters, and a hopeless romantic. The one flaw is his enormous nose. Cyrano is hopelessly in love with his cousin Roxane; however, her heart belongs to another. Through intrigue and subterfuge, he is able to express his feelings toward her by words and letters. The story has something for everyone-action, adventure, and romance. The dynamically drawn characters jump off the page. Staying true to Edmond Rostand's original tale, McCaughrean introduces a new generation to the swashbuckling hero. This is an easy read and should be considered as a first purchase.-Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Having revisited everyone from Gilgamesh to Hercules to Noah and even Peter Pan, McCaughrean turns her considerable talent to another fascinating figure: Cyrano de Bergerac. Although many teens may recognize the image of the 17th-century Frenchman with the protruding proboscis as Cyrano, they've probably never met the hero of one of literature's greatest love stories, unless they've had to read Edmond Rostand's play in a literature class. More than a translation, yet closely following the original text, this retelling captures all the nuances of Cyrano's biting wit, bravado and, of course, unrequited love. Here, readers will find Roxane's beauty and sensitivity; Christian's boyish charm and na‹vet‚; and the Comte de Guiche's smarmy lust and vengeance. While Rostand's play was written in rhyming verse, McCaughrean's exquisite prose gives readers a more in-depth look at the characters' thoughts and feelings, making Cyrano's panache more accessible to today's teens and even adults. (Fiction. 13+)
