A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Reviewed by: Deb Alig, Circulation Assistant
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Group: Adults
What is This Book About? The American classic, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, is a coming of age story written by author Betty Smith. It was originally meant to be her memoir, but she reconfigured it as historical fiction at the request of her editor. The novel is set in early twentieth century Williamsburg, a poor section of Brooklyn. The author begins the story by describing a tree which struggles to reach the sky, but grows lushly out of rubbish heaps and vacant lots only in the tenement districts. Eleven year old Francie Nolan, the main character, lives in a run down tenement with her mother Katie, her father Johnny, and her younger brother Neeley. The family struggles to eat and pay rent so Francie’s mother scrubs floors to earn a living while her father sings and waits tables at local night clubs. Katie is a proud woman and will not take charity. She wants her children to have an education more than anything. Francie and Neeley both graduate from grade school, but Neeley is the only one who attends high school after tragedy strikes the family. Though Francie must take jobs in New York City in order to earn enough money to make ends meet and to care for her pregnant mother, she still dreams of pursuing higher education. Francie’s mother has her baby and marries a retired police officer. He is quite wealthy, and Francie’s little sister will not grow up in poverty.
My Review: I really enjoyed reading this piece of historical fiction. When reading, I felt as though I was transported back in time to early twentieth century Brooklyn, specifically the impoverished neighborhood of Williamsburg. The author herself grew up in Williamsburg where she experienced the hardships of poverty just like the main character Francie Nolan does in the novel. As she grows up, Francie experiences such things as life in a crowded, rundown tenement apartment, hunger, discrimination, sexual violation, and tragic loss. Yet, just like the tree that grows up from the rubbish and cracked cement in her yard, Francie flourishes despite the hardships of poverty.
Three Words that Describe this Book: Historical, Detailed, Engaging
Give This A Try If You Like: Other novels by Betty Smith, including Joy in the Morning, Magie-Now, and Tomorrow Will Be Better
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.
