Fiddler on the Roof: Based on Sholom Aleichem's Stories [Paperback]

Joseph Stein (Author), Jerry Bock (Author), Sheldon Harnick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2004

The full text and complete lyrics, as well as photographs from the original production. "One of the great works of the American musical theatre. It is darling, touching, beautiful, warm, funny and inspiring. It is a work of art." -John Chapman, Daily News

Product Details

• Paperback: 154 pages
• Publisher: Limelight Editions; New edition edition (August 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879101369
• ISBN-13: 978-0879101367
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #259,382 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shalom Aleichem, April 21, 2004

By 

J. Buford (Troy Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fiddler on the Roof: Based on Sholom Aleichem's Stories (Paperback)

Shalom Aleichem was for modern Jewish literature what Mark Twain was for American literature. In one for instance, Aleichem like Twain was the writer's own appropriation. Mark Twain originally was a sounding phrase used by riverboat operators. Shalom Aleichem -- also a sounding phrase -- is used in Jewish communities to welcome eachother and in congregation the bride of the sabbath itself. Both Twain and Aleichem created indelible unforgettable stories with indelible unforgettable characters...like Tevye. And whether you found Tevye through Topol, Mostel or Shalom Aleichem's turn of the century stories themselves, you saw not only a mirror held to the Jewish Everyman but a template for the better inside us all. I like to think that Shalom Aleichem, who died in 1916 would have gladly approved of the appropriation of his character Tevye in this wonderful celebration of life. In my opinion what makes this particular story such a great celebration of life is not that it shrinks from depicting life's sometimes harsh realities, but rather one's ability to overcome them through faith, family and a recognition of the inherent beauty of life. After seeing Tevye in action, his simple eloquence, his love for his family, his courage, his humanness, you can't rightly help yourself from feeling a shared sense of appreciation for life.
La chaim, to life. In all languages, hope sounds just as good.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story of history, traditions and values., October 3, 2004

By 

Laura - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fiddler on the Roof: Based on Sholom Aleichem's Stories (Paperback)

I loved reading Fiddler on the Roof because of how the characters came alive in my mind. Several of the characters' actions and personalities reminded me of my family members. The theme is univeral: How do parents instill their traditions and values in their children in an constantly changing world? The protagonist, Tevye, tries to instill in his daughters his values and traditions in an increasinly violent world. As the world becomes more modernized and industrial, Tevye and the villagers start to lose some of their traditions. The story is the epitome of the Jewish struggle and persecution they have faced throughout history. Fiddler on the Roof is a must read for the young and old for its lessons about life are profound.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Whole Storey, March 9, 2006

By 

C. Beardall (Midvale, Utah United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fiddler on the Roof: Based on Sholom Aleichem's Stories (Paperback)

Wonderful! It's the full script not a novel. It includes some wonderful pictures from the original production.