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BOOK REVIEW - A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith
There must be almost as many books set in New York as there are citizens of Manhattan but this one is a bit different. Based in early twentieth-century Brooklyn, it tells the story of Francie Nolan and her family’s fight to get by in a time without electricity, a welfare system, or even windows in the bedrooms of their tiny apartment. Francie lives with her hard-working mother, hard-drinking father and younger brother Neely in a slum neighbourhood of the city.
If all that sounds depressing, it isn’t...
The novel is infused with optimism and hope, and some of their struggles (such as their makeshift meals) sound almost fun. (Perhaps a little too fun! After a day of three hearty meals, we’re told that the children were ‘always hungry’… not very well-illustrated!)
It’s full of interesting characters, not least Francie and her father but my favourite was Francie’s aunt Sissy; a kind-hearted tart, (with an interesting approach to her reproductive issues!) who sorts out many of the family’s problems. Smith obviously knew what she was talking about- the book was written in 1943 based on her own experiences, and her portrayal of New York’s poor was considered controversial at the time, with its inclusion of alcoholism, infidelities, and squalid conditions. Now its easy to imagine that she probably toned a lot of stuff down…
The book is well-written and very well observed, but maybe a little too sentimental at times, making an extra effort to tug on the heartstrings (making me cry a lot towards the end!) and over-explaining characters’ feelings when we could work out for ourselves that being poor can be a miserable grind. I also think I would have preferred it a first-person narration from Francie’s point of view, rather than a wandering viewpoint. It’s really her book and I would have liked to have felt even more involved with the character. But these are minor quibbles really; like the book, this review has a happy ending.
If you want a compelling story that teaches you something, this is a great read, and despite its size, a fast one. [Diane Shipley]
Rating : 4 out of 5
Like this? Try 'The Food Of Love' by Anthony Capella
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Posted by Jenni on June 16, 2006 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink
Comments
I just read this for the first time very recently. And whereas I thought the ending felt a little too pat and a little tacked on for my tastes, I quite loved the book. I am sorry it took me so long to get around reading it.
Posted by: Star | Jun 16, 2006 2:30:27 PM
Aww, I loved this book!
Posted by: Jessie | Jun 17, 2006 8:32:04 AM
If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming story, highlighting the struggle of growing up in a time of poverty, then A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is perfect for you. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is a charming, entertaining story that will leave a smile on your face.
The story, based in the early 1900s, focuses on the growing up of Francie Nolan. Francie is the eldest child of her hard working mom, Katie, and her loving and alcoholic father, Johnny. Francie has a little brother, a year younger than she, named Neeley. The pressure of raising two kids pressures Johnny; however when Katie becomes pregnant again that additional pressure pushes Johnny over the edge. He becomes more stressed, and stays out late and drinks; also he was kicked out of the Workers Union and becomes unemployed. On Christmas Day, five months before his third child is born, Johnny dies. This makes Francie grow up very fast, she graduates from eighth grade and does not return to high school, for there is not enough money to let both she and Neeley go to high school. However, Francie gets a job reading newspapers and clipping important sections out. As she gets older she starts taking summer college courses. There she meets a boy with whom she becomes close friends, Ben Black. At the end of the book World War I is starting and she falls in love with a solider named Lee Rynor, spending only two days before he has to go home and to his fiancée, leaving Francie alone and heartbroken. Francie seeks Ben to comfort her, because he makes her feel safe and they can have intelligent conversations. The book is truly about growing up and discovering whom you are.
One of the most well written scenes is when the sex offender is attempting to rape Francie and Katie comes out and saves her, and Johnny comes home early to check on her. This demonstrated the family values, and how they loved each other dearly and would do anything to protect one another. I highly recommend this book. It is especially appealing to females from 13 and up. It is a long book but a very easy read. It will keep you captivated the entire way through.
Posted by: Claire | Sep 14, 2008 7:59:11 AM
