Fiddler on the Roof

by Joseph Stein

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

Genres: Plays, Classics, Fiction, Theatre, Drama, Historical Fiction, Musicals

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

About the author

Born in New York City to Jewish parents, Charles and Emma (Rosenblum) Stein, who had immigrated from Poland, Stein grew up in the Bronx. He graduated in 1935 from CCNY, with a B.S. degree, then earned a Master of Social Work degree from Columbia University in 1937. He began his career as a psychiatric social worker from 1939 until 1945, while writing comedy on the side.

A chance encounter with Zero Mostel led him to start writing for radio personalities, including Henry Morgan, Hildegarde, Tallulah Bankhead, Phil Silvers, and Jackie Gleason. He later started working in television for Sid Caesar when he joined the writing team of Your Show of Shows that included Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, and Neil Simon.

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an avid fan of musical theater and I also love to troll the book section at literally any store that sells them. Dollar stores can have diamonds if you are willing to squat on the floor and paw through them like a cherubic dwarf. I found Fiddler on the Roof and a strange movie tie-in edition of Great Expectations at my local Dollar Tree. The bright yellow book usually costs fifteen dollars and the cashier was cute: double win! I was familiar with Fiddler on the Roof through only a few songs and I had no clue about the plot. After reading this, I can confirm that Tevye is a squishy father figure who joins the beloved ranks of Matthew Cuthbert, Angus Tuck, and Hans Hubermann. He has a blood relation to his offspring but he still tugged my heart. Plus, that "If I Were a Rich Man" arm dance is pretty slammin'.



It was a beautiful play that challenged tradition, gender roles, romance, and the patriarchal structure. Some of the bits were confusing like the dream sequences and some dialogue was pure Gouda to elicit laughter from the audience. I wish I lived in that village with an abundance of eligible bachelors vying for my hand, minus the crippling poverty of course. Maybe that bookstore owner has a brother, eh? I think it would be wonderful to see the musical one day and I can practice Tevye's shimmies discreetly to myself.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a very lucky goodreads first reads of this book."Fiddler on the Roof" this particular copy I received is in celebration of the 50 anniversary of the play. Although the book is from Joseph Stein, it is based on the writings of Sholem Aleichem's stories. Fiddler on the roof is one of my very favorite movies. It was originally a play that started in 1964. It is a wonderful story.Tevye is the lead character. he lives in the fictional village called Anatevka russia in 1905. Tevye is a poor man married with five daughters. During this time era tradition is very important. Each child is matched by the village matchmaker to be married. Tevye is a devout to his Jewish religion. Now times are changing. His daughters do not want to be matched to someone in the village. the first three daughter through out the play have found men on their own they wish to marry. Way against the tradition set for centuries. there is also a lot of turmoil going on with the Russian population against those people who are jewish. This is a wonderful story, with some real history to it. I loved reading the play and also the songs that were in the play and then movie. I know each song and found myself humming each song as a read it.got to say this is the first book i can say I sung along to! Fiddler on the roof is a great read.one of the best story lines for a musical. glad I was one of the winners of this treat of a book.

[Chrisanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An author I read once said that the difference between Jews and other people is that other people expect good things to happen to them--- and are always disappointed. Jews, he said, expect terrible things to happen to them and are happily surprised when good things happen sometimes. I remember that thought every time I read or see this story.

Fiddler is one of those gems that grows with you. I'm not Jewish, and I won't pretend to understand what they went through during, before, and after this period of history. But I do know family and religion and I can relate to some of those points. When you're young and you confront the contrasts between what you want and what is, when you're a parent and you just want the best for your children, and when you have to choose between creating more hurt and letting go when it might cause more hurt in the future. It's a tragically hopeful story of life. And I cry every time.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I saw the movie, then I saw a local production in my home town area and now I've read the book. This is a well written musical that I think could still go over well now, although not quite with the same oomph as it did in 1964 when there were people who'd lived through this time able to see it.. The book doesn't have any of the scores in it, but the lyrics are put where the songs occur, so for the ones where I remembered part or all of the melody I could hear it in my mind.

Don't know the story? Set in 1905 in Russia (the year one of my grandmothers was born in the Russian speaking part of the Ukraine, not Jewish, but they had to flee in the 1920s for the same reason the Jews had to flee shortly after 1905 since this play takes place over some time), it's about a Jewish family with five daughters. It's about tradition vs changing ways, and, finally, having to deal with pogroms, etc. If you are used to reading plays, this won't be difficult for you to follow, and naturally the original cast is listed so you can check the characters' names as need be.

[Rusty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read this and finished it today with hopes that I will be directing the show (and starring as Tevye) this fall for a local theater group. {Alas, there's yet another revival/touring show so the rights are restricted. Damn.}

More than 50 years after its creation, Fiddler remains as timeless as ever - a wonderful combination of story, song and extremely well-written characters make this a classic, universal masterpiece. Interestingly enough I have recently heard some recordings of songs cut from the show (as many as 20 songs were written for Fiddler and subsequently cut) and the removal of these sub-par songs helped improve the show (and no doubt shortened a lengthy show considerably.) I am so looking forward to immersing myself deeply into the village of Anatevka!

[Olivia Mikel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I am not Jewish, this book has such a beautiful way of expressing a relationship with God. Being angry, scared, thankful… either by reading or watching the musical, you feel yourself immersed in the traditions and culture and feel heartbroken by the effects of pogroms, living in the pale of settlement, while trying to cling on to something familiar seems like catching smoke. We all have our own familial traditions whether we like them or not- but we never think about their absence with no notice. Like ripping a paper from your hands… it leaves you empty. Can’t praise Sholem Aleichem, Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and Joseph Stein enough.

[Olivermagnus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his Jewish religious and cultural traditions as outside influences intrude on the family's lives. He must cope with the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters, who wish to marry for love at the same time the government is racheting up their racist policies against Jews. The characters are believable and the circumstances and expressions bring more awareness of the Jewish traditions and customs.

Fiddler on the Roof is a wonderful story, with some real history to it. This is a truly great work, saturated with dark humor. This version of the play includes the lyrics of the beautiful songs from the musical. I think the film is well done, so if you don't have a chance to see the stage musical, I would suggest renting the movie.

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best line in the whole play:

GOLDE: "I’m very frightened of you. After we finish supper, I'll faint."

[Garrett Zecker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up as a reminder of the script prior to auditioning for a role in a new local production. I think it is interesting that one does not really find books like this any longer being produced - a hardcover version of a popular play that is currently on Broadway. I am not sure if there is just not a market for it, if they were afraid that people would start illegally producing their own versions of it in their backyards, or if maybe they are doing this sort of thing and my local library, bookstore, and everywhere else that I get books just doesn't carry them, but this experience of picking up a Broadway musical in a hardcover book format was rather interesting. I literally picked it up, read it in a sitting really quickly, and put it down. That was that. I think that there is definitely something missing when you do this - FOTR is a really well written and pretty story, however it is strangely missing its spirit when you are reading it on the page. As a refresher for my audition? Great! As a text that should be read in a chair or in a classroom, I am not sure it really lives up to that. After all, a musical is a musical. An interesting experience all the same, and it will certainly help me with my characterization. Still, I would suggest renting this movie because I am not sure reading it alone does the writing and the story any justice...

[Emilia Cabrera Fadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning you really don't want to read the book. But then with all the action you really drive in the book. I had to read this book for my english class, but I really enjoyed it! I also really like how some characters change from the beginning of the book with "Traditions" to the end of the book were they understand that Love is more important. I don't know if I liked the ending, it was very unexpected you also wish there is a second book...

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a piece of historical fiction, it was so insightful yet horrifying to think about the things going on in the background. The ruin of villages and homes, having to emigrate, forced to leave. The family dynamics were amusing yet sad, as the sisters make decisions, with their father's hopeful support, that put them on different paths for life. Do they ever meet again? I wish there was an update on what their lives end up in America, if the family ever completely reunites...

[Scott Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story continues to make me smile and make me sad. The pureness of the kids relationships as they get older and want to marry fighting the stubbornness of tradition that Tevye tries to hold on to. There are lots of ups and downs in this story. It makes you cam racing for more of their stories after the end. I didn’t know this story until a couple years again, and not that I have been exposed to it, I love and enjoy it.

[Kaia Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful musical- it has to be up there for one of my favorite movie musicals of all time along with West Side Story.

Tevye you have my heart. Tradition you have my heart. Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava who remind me of my sisters and me, you have my heart.

And most importantly, the fiddler and all that he stands for. You have my whole soul.

What a meaningful piece of work. I left with tear stains and hope.

Edit: Read this the day after and I’m dramatic asf lmaoo

[Alex Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely does a book get a laugh out of me and this was a play and it got several! Great read, that's overshadowed by the plays and movie. Is there a point to reading it after seeing the play or movie? Probably not. But if you are looking for an easy humorous read, as I was looking to settle into my college readings, this is a good choice.

[Ravina P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tradition to migration and then assimilation? A beautiful play with a beautiful movie too.

[Lauren McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed and related to the absolute hopelessness of life and politics right now : )

[kenz 🫧 · Rating 5 out of 5]

having watched the play and reading the script was a wonderful experience!

[Emily Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiddler on the Roof is a musical that I love but have yet to see a live stage performance. It was an original script when it first premiered on Broadway in 1964 and I do believe that it is a production that is very relevant to today’s current events, especially with the themes of tradition vs. progression and prejudice against religion and nationality.

Based on a series of stories by Sholom Aleichem, Fiddler on the Roof is set in a small Jewish village, Anatevka in Russia during the early 20th century. Tevye is a poor dairyman who lives in the town with his wife Golde and five daughters. Tevye faces many trials throughout the musical including persecution by Russian soldiers and his three older daughters defying the town’s tradition of arranged marriages. Each daughter challenges Tevye’s religious and cultural views while balancing his strong faith and family values until it is almost at a breaking point. The musical is mixed with drama, comedy, and history that there are a variety of theatrical elements that the reader/audience member can enjoy when reading or seeing the production performed live.

Fiddler is an easy read if the reader is patient with reading scripts, especially when music is involved as part of the production. But with the time period and its characters, I think the reader would really enjoy the script. The music would be highly recommended to give a listen when reading the play, obviously as a musical but it has a perfect blend of understanding the characters and getting the chance of hearing music inspired by the Jewish Russian culture. The ensemble of characters are also a lot of fun to read and/or see perform on stage. Tevye and Golde are two of my favorite characters in musical theatre history; both are quick-witted, stubborn and have great scenes together and apart. Tevye as the main protagonist and our guide throughout the story is also a very relatable character; as a father figure set in his ways, but is willing to accept certain changes, and holds his faith and family important to his everyday life. Even Tevye’s three eldest daughters are very well-rounded characters: girls becoming women in a time when it was unheard of for females to speak their minds or decide their future. The presentation of Judaism’s traditions in the 20th century is very respectfully and beautifully presented onto the stage. Along with reading the script, I would also insist one to watch the 1971 film adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof. In my mind, it is one of the musical film adaptations that is really faithful to the stage production plus a splendor to see on the screen. Whether you see the stage production or film, or read the script I highly recommend Fiddler on the Roof as a brilliant piece of musical theatre and a beautiful, honest representation of history.

[David Samuels · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fuh

[James Swenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Fiddler on the Roof through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer
program.

This is the complete libretto of the famous musical, together with the lyrics of the hilarious and heartbreaking songs. It is not a volume of sheet music -- just the beautiful story of Tevye, the traditions he agrees to sacrifice for love of his daughters, and the one compromise he is unable to accept.

This is a truly great work, saturated with dark humor and with love. I hope, since I've made that point, it is also OK for me to mention how much I enjoyed reading, in black and white,

TEVYE:
If I were a rich man
Daidle deedle daidle
Digguh digguh deedle daidle dum,
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum,
If I were a wealthy man.

Wouldn't have to work hard,
Daidle deedle daidle
Digguh digguh deedle daidle dum,
If I were a biddy biddy rich
Digguh digguh deedle daidle man. (p. 27)

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This play, movie and book were derived originally from the writings of Sholom Aleihem's stories. There are few productions that combine humor, tragedy, love and sadness as well as this story of the persecution of Russian Jews at the turn of the century. Reading this play is assisted greatly by the constant reminder of Topal or Zero Mostel and others in the stage or film version. Surprisingly, this book is not identical to the movie or the stage productions that I have seen.I found it amusing that while I read the book I would be singing the musical sections while I sat alone in my rocker.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend loaned this to me, I read it, cried, and read it again. As luck would have it two weeks later a small theater near me had a live performance and I enjoyed in more. It is so good, not only are the characters believable but the circumstances, the expressions, and throughout one became aware of the Jewish traditions and customs. I recently found out that Joseph Stein passed away, but reading his story I became aware of how many of his writings I had read. A wonderful author with that gift of explaining people and places to our complete under standing.

[Sarai Lombeyda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this book...
I was reluctant to read "Fiddler on the Roof" for the fact that it was a play and not a novel, but the first scenes held on to my heart and refused to let it go. We read this as an assignment for my English class, and oh, the joy of reading and discussing your opinions with a friend! It's amazing when you can read and love a book together for the same or different reasons. This play is a jewel!

[Katie Banasiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this play/musical and this book did not disappoint. I sat down to read a few pages and ended up finishing it in an afternoon. I am always in awe of the wonderful whimsy, playfulness, and humor that this story holds. It will forever be one of my favorites and I am so glad that I now own a print edition.

[Carolyn Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great musical that's thought-provoking and saddening and funny and wise. This is good theatre.

[Misbah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know this is a very popular and classic play but it was too simple and bland for my taste. I might have a different opinion if I see it in action.

The play is set in a Jewish community that is generally poor and under the constant fear of Russian invasion.
A particular Jewish man, who has five daughters, is worried about funding good husbands for them. In the beginning there are songs sung about the importance of agreeing to tradition and the tradition for marriage is that it is always arranged by the parents through a matchmaker. The matchmaker visits the family and speaks to the girls mother about good matches, but the mother isn't satisfied.
From the eldest daughter we learn that she is already in love with a poor tailor but doesn't know how to tell her parents. Meanwhile, the father is approached by a butcher who is undetected in marrying his eldest daughter. The father agrees to a match using the logic that a butcher would be able to keep my daughter from going hungry. When the father breaks the news the girl and her beau confess that they had promised to marry each other a year ago and after a lot of thought the father agrees to the match. The couple gets married. There is some drama during the wedding when the butcher starts trekking people he should've been the groom.
The next to daughters to be married also insist on choosing husbands of their own, much to their father's chagrin. He is ok with one daughters choice but disowns the other one because she slopes with a man who isn't Jewish.
The story ends on a town in distress after the Russians have given orders to vacate the region.

[AliReza Sha · Rating 3 out of 5]

این اثر به تاثیرات اجتماعی بر اختیار بشر می پردازد. تویه (ویالن زن) به وضوح فراورده ی روستای خود و سنت های یهودی است. باتوجه به چالش های اجتماعی در محل زندگی این سنت ها و ایمان او به آن ها، ارزش های پرمعنا و ضروری برای سپری کردن سال های صعب به او داده است. وقتی هر یک از دختران تویه دست به انتخاب هایی شدیدا غیرسنتی در ازدواجشان می زنند، ما شاهد آن هستیم که او آن ها را زیر فشار زیاد سازش خواهی اجتماعی اش قرار میدهد(بنیادگرایی). و از این طریق میفهمیم که لابد خود او هم تحت تاثیر این فشارها بوده است. شاید به نظر برسد ناتوانی اولیه او در پذیرفتن انتخاب های دخترانش برای ازدواج، ناشی از انتخاب های تویه برای وفادار ماندن به سنت هاست، اما فیلم موکدا نشان میدهد که تویه فرآورده فرهنگی سنتی است که در مقابل تحولات پرشتابی که در پیرامون او رخ میدهد زیرسوال رفته است. جز احساس همدردی نمیشود کاری برای تویه کرد، چون این سوال طرح میشود که آیا اساسا امکان دیگری برای او بود تا کار دیگری انجام دهد؟
صد البته ممکن است ما با این مخالف باشیم که تویه و مارنی صرفا به خاطر گذشته شان آزادی کمتری دارند. شاید مثل سارتر قدیم بگیم تویه و مارنی(هیچکاک) آن ها خود انتخاب میکنند که سرپیچی کنند یا به جای تغییر، سنت را برگزینند (میدونیم که یکی از 3 ترس اصلی و ذاتی گونه ی انسان هوشمند ترس از تغییر است).

[Sidney Wingert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read! After watching my brother play "Lazar Wolfe" In the musical of "Fiddler on the Roof" I got really interested in the play after watching it live a few times, singing the songs nonstop everyday pretending as if I were the actress in the musical. After realizing how interested I was in the musical, I went to go see if they had the book of it at my local library, and they did! The book did not disappoint! I never wanted to let go of the book, It was a real page turner. It gave me feelings such as happiness, and sadness, as I got to also see a mix of humor and tragedy as the love story's went on in the book as the songs followed a long! I was really happy to see that the songs were in the book, it made me so much more interested! This book will always be in my heart and it will always bring great memories back. I gave this book four stars.

[Kevin Hogg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story with a lot of heart. A family dealing with a lot of change--some good, some devastating. A village uncertain of its future. And a lot of names to keep track of.

The story does a great job of showing how the children struggle with trying to find their way in the world--to speak out about their hopes and dreams. The father is reluctant or unwilling to hear it. But the humour throughout keeps the reader engaged and loving every interaction. Of course, it can be enjoyed through reading, but it's best to see it performed, as it brings the songs to life. A longtime favourite, and one that I'm happy that I finally got around to reading so that I had a chance to take it all in.

[Vanessa (V.C.) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply delightful. I've been raised a lot on Fiddler on the Roof, have listened to the 1964 Original Broadway Cast soundtrack for as long as I can remember, own the vinyl, love (and own) the movie, and have seen the 2004 revival with Harvey Fierstein as Tevye, like, if you're just a fan of Fiddler on the Roof, this is a must-have to own in your collection. No matter how many times you may have seen the movie or seen the show in person, it's just nice seeing the words and lyrics on the page, makes you appreciate its brilliance and humor even more.