Before 'Cyrano' made him a legend, Edmond Rostand wrote this clever little gem, 'Les Romanesques.' It’s a play in verse that feels like a warm-up for his later masterpieces, but it stands on its own with plenty of wit and heart.

The Story

Percinet and Sylvette are young neighbors separated by a garden wall. They’re deeply in love, believing their passion is fueled by a long-standing feud between their fathers. Secret meetings, stolen glances over the wall—it’s all very poetic and tragic. But here’s the twist: the dads, Bergamin and Pasquinot, are actually the best of friends. They invented the fake feud to make their kids' lives more interesting and to ensure they’d fall for the 'forbidden love' trope. It works perfectly until a cynical stranger, Straforel, lets the secret slip. Percinet and Sylvette are horrified. Their grand romance feels like a cheap trick. The second half of the play asks if their love was ever real, or if it was just a performance for an audience of two.

Why You Should Read It

This play is hilarious, but it’s also smart. Rostand isn’t just poking fun at over-the-top romances; he’s asking why we need them. The characters are so aware they’re in a story that it makes their crisis feel real. When their script is ripped up, who are they? The verse is light and playful, not heavy, which makes it a breezy read. You can see Rostand flexing the same muscles he’d later use for Cyrano’s famous speeches. It’s a love letter to theater and a gentle critique of it at the same time.

Final Verdict

Perfect for fans of classic comedy, anyone who loves 'Cyrano,' or readers who enjoy a good meta-story. It’s also a great pick if you think you don’t like plays—the translation is accessible, and the plot moves fast. Think of it as a 19th-century romantic comedy that’s still winking at us today. A delightful, insightful read that proves Rostand’s genius wasn’t a one-hit wonder.