Other things I liked about The Fiddler were the way the two main characters work through issues of discovering their personal destinies within a cast of characters who are full of strong opinions, and the role that faith in God plays in coming to those decisions. The adherence to rules that most of the Amish characters exhibit contrasts with the freer lifestyle of the Amish Wise Woman. She leaves the characters and the reader with lots to think about.
Having read several books by Lewis in the past, I found the basic explanations of Amish ways in this story-- together with her rendition of Amish speech patterns (“’Ach no’ … ‘But maybe you know that already, ain’t?’ …. ‘I doubt she’s back for gut.’” pp. 153, 182)--familiar to tiresome. But those things certainly do make the book accessible to someone who has not encountered the Amish before.
The Fiddler is quintessential Beverly Lewis. Her fans as well as lovers of the Amish genre will find this gentle romance a pleasant reading interlude.
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