Classic Yiddish Stories of S. Y. Abramovitsh, Sholem Aleichem, and I. L. Peretz

by Ken Frieden (Editor), S.Y. Abramovitsh, Sholom Aleichem

Two novellas by S. Y. Abramovitsh open this collection of the best short works by three influential nineteenth-century Jewish authors. Abra- movitsh’s alter ego—Mendele the Book Peddler—introduces himself and narrates both The Little Man and Fishke the Lame. His cast of characters includes Isaac Abraham as tailor’s apprentice, choirboy, and corrupt businessman; Mendele’s friend Wine ’n’ Candles Alter; and Fishke, who travels through the Ukraine with a caravan of beggars. Sholem Aleichem’s lively stories reintroduce us to Tevye, the gregarious dairyman, as he describes the pleasures of raising his independent-minded daughters. These are followed by short monologues in which Aleichem gives voice to unforgettable characters from Eastern Europe to the Lower East Side. Finally, I. L. Peretz’s neo-hasidic tales draw on hasidic traditions in the service of modern literature. These stories provide an unsentimental look back at Jewish life in Eastern Europe. Although nostalgia occasionally colors their prose, the writers were social critics who understood the shortcomings of shtetl life. For the general reader, these translations breathe new life into the extraordinary worlds of Yiddish literature. The introduction, glossary, and biographical essays contemporaneous to each author put those worlds into context, making the book indispensable to students and scholars of Yiddish culture.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Jewish, Judaism

304 pages, Hardcover

First published March 31, 2004

Reviews

[Chrissie]

Another must read after being introduced to this author by Dara Horn's novel The World To Come!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a hard read for a non-native English speaker, but it was definitely worth it. The writings are a representative collection of the authors' work. The translations do their best to keep as close to the atmosphere of the originals as possible. Footnotes are not abused of, but placed well in all cases when needed. It widened my perspective on Jiddish literature and culture.

[Eleanor Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Yiddish tales will lead you on the trail to MORE Yiddish stories, if you fall in love with them like I did! (I should write for Reading Rainbow, no?) You sense the sadness of the Jews in their transitory state from late 19th & early 20th centuries.

Sholem Aleichem's original stories that inspired the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof will make your heart bleed!

My favorite story is entitled Hodel. The climax of this heart-wrenching story paints the tragic picture of a father who feels he must turn his back on the daughter who denied their faith (and therefore God, and the family as well) to marry a Christian. It is a beautiful story, particularly for someone who has strong family ties or a strong faith.

[Chris Bassett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Sholem Aleichem. The others, let me say in my best Larry David voice: “Ehhhhhh….”

[Dewe Ne]

For school

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! I can't wait to re-read it at a slower pace- I just finished it for a book club.