80 pages 2 hours read

Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick, Jerry Bock

Fiddler on the Roof

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1964

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Fiddler on the Roof follows Tevye, a poor dairy farmer in the fictional Russian shtetl of Anatevka, as he navigates the challenges posed by his three oldest daughters who wish to marry for love, defying Jewish tradition. Amidst their personal journeys, the Tsar's increasing persecution of Jews disrupts village life, leading to the community's forced displacement and highlighting themes of tradition, resistance, and perseverance.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Fiddler on the Roof by Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick, and Jerry Bock skillfully blends humor and poignant social commentary through its enduring story of tradition and change. Its music and characters are memorable, though some critics find its pacing uneven and its portrayal of cultural issues somewhat simplistic. Overall, it remains a significant and touching work in musical theater.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Fiddler on the Roof?

Fans of time-honored musical theater and poignant narratives exploring Jewish traditions will cherish Fiddler on the Roof by Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick, and Jerry Bock. Comparable to readers of Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl and lovers of The Sound of Music for its cultural depth and emotional resonance.

RecommendedReading Age

12+years

Book Details

Genre

Jewish Literature

Drama / Tragedy

Historical Fiction

Topics

Music