A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Betty Smith

Mar 2009 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

A PBS Great American Read Top 100 Pick

The beloved American classic about a young girl's coming-of-age at the turn of the twentieth century.

From the moment she entered the world, Francie Nolan needed to be made of stern stuff, for the often harsh life of Williamsburg demanded fortitude, precocity, and strength of spirit. Often scorned by neighbors for her family’s erratic and eccentric behavior—such as her father Johnny’s taste for alcohol and Aunt Sissy’s habit of marrying serially without the formality of divorce—no one, least of all Francie, could say that the Nolans’ life lacked drama. By turns overwhelming, sublime, heartbreaking, and uplifting, the Nolans’ daily experiences are tenderly threaded with family connectedness and raw with honesty. Betty Smith has, in the pages of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, captured the joys of humble Williamsburg life-from “junk day” on Saturdays, when the children of Francie’s neighborhood traded their weekly take for pennies, to the special excitement of holidays, bringing cause for celebration and revelry. Betty Smith has artfully caught this sense of exciting life in a novel of childhood, replete with incredibly rich moments of universal experiences—a truly remarkable achievement for any writer.

Ratings and reviews

Very tender, poignant story of the difficult life a poor Irish family endures in Brooklyn. Although an alcoholic the main character's father displays a great love for his children by considering their future welfare. This, despite his unsuccessful struggles with the demon of alcohol. The mother is a true pinnacle of love and devotion as she labours unceasingly to financially keep poverty at bay. The strength of the family unit is foremost in this story.

Thus was a beautiful book about a girl who is coming of age. There were moments that I felt sympathetic towards her and her poor family. I cried in certain parts and I am not a crying type of person!! Must read!

Betty Smith just had the ability of describing things in its most pristine and mind-blowing way. Not many big words in the book but always captures the readers' sentiment. Would rate it 6 stars if possible.

About the author

Betty Smith (1896–1972) was a native of Brooklyn, New York. Her novels A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Tomorrow Will Be Better, Joy in the Morning, and Maggie-Now continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of millions of readers worldwide.