Read the Novel

Brigantine · Read the Novel

I just picked up the novel at a used bookstore and read the whole thing in one day. I've never seen the show or been in it but have the highlights CD. It was interesting to see some of the lines in songs were taken strait from the novel. Some of the opening Narration is strait from the book too ("In 1902, Father built a house... etc.)
The major differences are that Sarah and Evelyn have much bigger roles in the musical. Sarah hardly speaks at all in the novel, maybe once or twice. Evelyn is in the beginning of the book, but is hardly mentioned after that. Mother's presence seems smaller in the book too. Houdini and Younger Brother seem to have a larger 'part' in the novel.
It was an interesting read; a must, I think, for anyone in the show.

broadwaybaby1310

I agree, an interesting read. I read the book this summer and really enjoyed it. Then I found out that my school was doing it! Our director almost discouraged us from reading the book because she was afraid kids would complain to their parents about the more graphic scenes and the parents would cause a lot of trouble, not knowing that those scenes were not in the show. I read the book and, playing Mother at my school, have really drawn form some of the characterization clues in the book. I would say to read the book with an open mind, knowing that the show is pretty different is some ways.

musicalmousie

The novel does have its iffy scenes. But I love it, it's a great book- we read it in my english class way before we decided to so it for a show in performing. I think that it should be read if you're going to be in the show, 'cause it provides some elaboration on some characters. (Though yeah, people like Evelyn have less to do- or, well, they have importance in different parts of the story.)

Celeste_SM

Tateh isn't such the nice guy in the novel that he is in the show.

Salome

for those who have seen the film..James Cagney played the large role of a detective...this role isnt in the Musical. is it in the novel?

Theaterfan101

I just got the book last night and I'm having a hard time putting it down.

TeejackActs

Yea i agree with all of you! I just read Ragtime actually a month ago, and i loved it, even though its a little different than the musical.

broadwaybaby1310

Speaking of the book, did anyone take the AP English Lit test this past week? On the final essay, they give you a prompt and you have to apply it to a book that you've read. They give you a list of recommended books too. Guess what was on the list! My high school did Ragtime this year and I read the book, so it was perfect! I did a whole essay about how Mother was "haunted" by the past and a stereotype of a meek, mild woman when she was trying to break out and be independant. It was really good! (I hope! Wink

)

what_the_heck013

We were watching a documentary in history class and it included excerpts from Ragtime and it made me really want to read the book.

dantheman

Okay, I just finished the book...It was SO GOOD! I loved it.

And Salome, it's been a while since I saw the movie. Did Cagney play the cheif of police, or is that a total different person?

Brigantine	Read the Novel I just picked up the novel at a used bookstore and read the whole thing in one day. I've never seen the show or been in it but have the highlights CD. It was interesting to see some of the lines in songs were taken strait from the novel. Some of the opening Narration is strait from the book too ("In 1902, Father built a house... etc.) The major differences are that Sarah and Evelyn have much bigger roles in the musical. Sarah hardly speaks at all in the novel, maybe once or twice. Evelyn is in the beginning of the book, but is hardly mentioned after that. Mother's presence seems smaller in the book too. Houdini and Younger Brother seem to have a larger 'part' in the novel. It was an interesting read; a must, I think, for anyone in the show.
broadwaybaby1310	I agree, an interesting read. I read the book this summer and really enjoyed it. Then I found out that my school was doing it! Our director almost discouraged us from reading the book because she was afraid kids would complain to their parents about the more graphic scenes and the parents would cause a lot of trouble, not knowing that those scenes were not in the show. I read the book and, playing Mother at my school, have really drawn form some of the characterization clues in the book. I would say to read the book with an open mind, knowing that the show is pretty different is some ways.
musicalmousie	The novel does have its iffy scenes. But I love it, it's a great book- we read it in my english class way before we decided to so it for a show in performing. I think that it should be read if you're going to be in the show, 'cause it provides some elaboration on some characters. (Though yeah, people like Evelyn have less to do- or, well, they have importance in different parts of the story.)
Celeste_SM	Tateh isn't such the nice guy in the novel that he is in the show.
Salome	for those who have seen the film..James Cagney played the large role of a detective...this role isnt in the Musical. is it in the novel?
Theaterfan101	I just got the book last night and I'm having a hard time putting it down.
TeejackActs	Yea i agree with all of you! I just read Ragtime actually a month ago, and i loved it, even though its a little different than the musical.
broadwaybaby1310	Speaking of the book, did anyone take the AP English Lit test this past week? On the final essay, they give you a prompt and you have to apply it to a book that you've read. They give you a list of recommended books too. Guess what was on the list! My high school did Ragtime this year and I read the book, so it was perfect! I did a whole essay about how Mother was "haunted" by the past and a stereotype of a meek, mild woman when she was trying to break out and be independant. It was really good! (I hope! )
what_the_heck013	We were watching a documentary in history class and it included excerpts from Ragtime and it made me really want to read the book.
dantheman	Okay, I just finished the book...It was SO GOOD! I loved it. And Salome, it's been a while since I saw the movie. Did Cagney play the cheif of police, or is that a total different person?

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