Review: ‘Cyrano’ by Geraldine McCaughrean

Review: ‘Cyrano’ by Geraldine McCaughrean

Cyrano loves Roxanne. Roxanne loves Christian. Only Christian isn’t really Christian and it’s all very tragic and boo hoo. If you like cheese, you’ll love Cyrano. Cyrano and Roxanne are the new Romeo and Juliet, the latest Jordan and Pete. This is a story so colourful you’ll feel as if you’ve been the spectator of a gay Mardi Gras.

McCaughrean writes with flair and charisma, enriching the pages with vivid imagery and allegorical symbols. The tragedy of Cyrano’s love is shown on a universal scale with dramatic allusions to the sun, moon and stars. It is love’s heartache personified.

However, although Cyrano captures the emotion of love, McCaughrean does little to deter stereotypical notions of heterosexual love between men and women. The male obligation to satisfy Roxanne’s romantic ideals is irritatingly sexist, and her daydreams plain annoying. But in spite of this, Cyrano’s love is touching and his courage and humility in battle inspiring. Although Roxanne pines for idealised love, she also fools Antoine de Guiche and attempts to stop the macho siege. So although the cynics might dismiss this tale of love as predictable and clichéd, our author is an expert at capturing the very heart and soul of her characters.

Cyrano’s wit and sharp tongue provide humorous interludes that undercut the tragedy of the main plot. With Cyrano’s staged outbursts, a civil war, a recurrent villain, a love triangle and comic asides, it’s actually like reading a camped up Shakespearian play. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read and contrary to its romantic routes, it is much more than just another love story.

Caroline Sams