80 pages • 2 hours read
Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick, Jerry BockFiddler on the Roof
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1964A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
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
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 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.