Joseph Stein (1912–2010)

This book contains the script of the movie, Fiddler on the Roof. So, why read the book? Why not just watch the movie? The book, with its easy-to-read format offered me the experience of enjoying the story at my own pace. I stopped and reflected, sang some of the songs aloud, and re-read certain sections. I enjoyed learning how the names of the characters are spelled, and it was a pleasant bonus to me to read the few sections of the script that were not contained in my movie.

The book itself is gift-quality lovely, with elegant artwork showing the fiddler on an attractive yellow background. I thought it might feel awkward reading a play but it took less than two pages for me to forget about the different format and settle right in to the story. While this book avoids political discussion by sticking exclusively to the script of Fiddler on the Roof, I somehow left the story feeling more aware that things like this really happened to people than I have from watching the movie. I like books that lead me to more understanding of people and history.

I think a person who has never seen the movie would enjoy the book and if asked, I would say, “Read the book first, and then watch the movie. Fiddler on the Roof makes one both laugh and think. You’re in for a double treat!”… (más)