AFTER ANATEVKA
A sweeping historical novel in the grand tradition of Russian literature that imagines what happens to the characters of Fiddler on the Roof after the curtain falls.
The world knows well the tale of Tevye, the beloved Jewish dairyman from the shtetl Anatevka of Tsarist Russia. In stories originally written by Sholem Aleichem and then made world-famous in the celebrated musical Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye, his wife Golde, and their five daughters dealt with the outside influences that were encroaching upon their humble lives. But what happened to those remarkable characters after the curtain fell?
In After Anatevka, Alexandra Silber picks up where Fiddler left off. Second-eldest daughter Hodel takes center stage as she attempts to join her Socialist-leaning fiancé Perchik to the outer reaches of a Siberian work camp. But before Hodel and Perchik can finally be together, they both face extraordinary hurdles and adversaries―both personal and political―attempting to keep them apart at all costs.
A love story set against a backdrop of some of the greatest violence in European history, After Anatevaka is a stunning conclusion to a tale that has gripped audiences around the globe for decades.
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After Anatevka
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Reviews and Praise for After Anatekva
“A serious and poignant historical fiction.”
“ Silber’s admirable continuation imagines Hodel’s life in two post-Fiddler periods: Hodel’s courtship with and engagement to the scholarly Perchik, and her attempts years later to reunite with him after he is sent to a forced labor camp. Silber, an actress who played both Hodel and Tzeitzel in productions of the musical, imbues the book with an obvious fondness for and understanding of the characters...the moving story and attention to detail will make this an enjoyable trip for any fan of Fiddler on the Roof. ”
“It’s no secret that Alexandra Silber is one of our theater’s finest singing actors. But who knew she was a thrilling novelist as well? After Anatevka does Fiddler on the Roof proud.”
“ [After Anatevka] is a fully realized, thoughtful literary novel that can also stand alone. The strength of [Hodel and Perchik’s] deep romantic bond is emphasized throughout. Fans of the musical and anyone interested in the plight of the Jews in czarist Russia will appreciate this multi-talented author’s work”
“ This phenomenal story carries the light tone of the earlier musical and the vacillating light and dark moods of Russian literature, all sensitively balanced with perfect timing. A gorgeous, captivating story that truly deserves the name of great historical fiction. Alexandra Silber is notably knowledgeable about her topic, but most of all inserts the ‘Russian soul’ into it that earns it the hallmark of being called classic literature. Extraordinary! (Editor’s Choice)”
“After Anatevka serves not only as a fitting sequel to a beloved tale, but as a new classic of its own. Alexandra Silber is a masterful storyteller with a poet’s gift for language and a romantic’s heart. Her novel is pure joy. I can only hope that a musical version is already in the making and that this old actor might have a moment with her onstage as her ‘Papa.’ Enjoy this amazing tale and let your heart sing. L’chaim!”
“ After Anatevka is a page-turner: A gorgeous love story, both intimate and epic. Alexandra lovingly and sumptuously picks up where Shalom Aleichem left off. It’s the next great Russian novel! I feel like a proud papa when I tell you that not only is Alexandra a brilliant actress, but she’s also a gifted novelist.”
“ While most actors do research for a role, Alexandra Silber has gone above, beyond, and below as she follows these characters of out of the story of Fiddler on the Roof and into the wider world. Who knew this accomplished actress was an equally accomplished spinner of tales? Told with skill and depth of emotion, After Anatevka is something quite miraculous.”