A Tree Grows in Brooklyn [75th Anniversary Ed]: A Special Edition of the Beloved American Classic Coming-Of-Age Novel (Perennial Classics)

I was seriously deprived as an adolescent. I never even heard of Betty Smith's classic novel "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn," let alone read it. And I was an avid reader who lived relatively close to Brooklyn. Whatever the reason for this significant omission in my early literary development, I remedied the situation recently, (yes, it took me a while). I can only echo here what millions of other readers have said since the book's publication in 1943, this is an extraordinary novel which enriches and delights. I can understand why The New York Public Library chose it as one of the "Books of the Century." Ms. Smith grew up in Brooklyn and drew from her own experiences to portray the hardships of the Nolans, a tenement family living in that borough's Williamsburg slums during the early part of the 20th century. Teenage Francie Nolan is an avid reader who wants to become a writer. She adores her father John, an alcoholic with a multitude of pipe dreams. He, in turn, loves his children and tries to be a good father, but he is not able to carry out his responsibilities. Nolan has become a dissipated man due to his alcohol addiction. Francie believes in him regardless, (and she's the only one), because they're soul-mates. Although it seems contradictory, the girl also possesses a strong practical streak. Her mother, Katie, abandoned all illusions for a better life long ago. She is rendered almost emotionless by a surfeit of her husband's grand schemes. However she stresses to her children that education is the only path out of the tenements. Grandma Rommely, Katie's mother, also reinforces the importance of education. There is a single ordinary tree visible from the Nolan's tenement window. It grows doggedly through the cement, in spite of harsh conditions which thwart it's development. Yet, it perseveres. For Francie and her father the tree symbolizes hope - the blossoming of life against all odds. It is like a beacon of of light in the darkness of their daily lives. Francie has the tenacity of that tree, and remains steadfast to her dreams. Unlike her father, she has the inner strength and resourcefulness to make them come true. The author poignantly depicts the Nolan's struggles to survive and grow in a world of poverty, hunger, class prejudice and tremendous loss. Francie, a courageous girl, of strong character, comes of age here under extremely difficult circumstances. The portrait of her family members and her relationship with them is beautifully drawn, especially her relationship with her brother Neely. And turn-of-the-century Williamsburg is brought vividly to life. Broader topics are also introduced which enhance the narrative tremendously, such as, WWI, immigration, and politics of the period. Smith's characters are strong and well developed. She uses flashbacks to tell the fascinating story of John Nolan's courtship of Katie, their marriage and early years together. "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn" is a heartfelt, moving novel which touched me deeply. Betty Smith's prose is powerful, as are her storyline and characters. This is a book I will keep to reread in the future. I cannot recommend it highly enough. JANA

I am so glad I finally read this book. I have been meaning to for years. It was so gratifying to immerse myself in that early 1900’s Brooklyn world to the very end — so full of the breadth and depth of life! And it was filled such real characters that I loved to hang out with daily, especially Francie! As I spent time reading this wonderful coming of age story I was completely pulled into early 20th century Brooklyn with all of its sights, sounds, flavors and aromas… even the dialogue and many dialects of the area and time. And what a storyteller Betty Smith was! I will definitely reread this book several times in the future as I am sure it is now one of my all-time favorites!

I first read this book as a teenager, decades ago. It didn’t leave a strong impression on me. Francie’s life was very different from mine, and it was hard to appreciate the story. It showed up recently on a list of “must read in your lifetime” books and I decided to give it another shot. I’m now in reading this as a senior citizen. I thoroughly enjoyed it this time around, and had trouble putting it down. Betty Smith’s writing style was flowing and engaging. The story was brought to life in the context of the pre-WWI reality in NY. The interesting characters, the strong family ties, the determination and grit of Francie and her family assured the reader that this book is one to remember.

I've read this beautifully written book many times and the story never gets old for me.

Yet another paperback book delivered with no creases, wrinkles, or stains. I love getting my books on Amazon. As for the story itself, it is so so good. I love seeing Francie growing up. It's sad at times, but Francie's love for reading and her whole perspective on life just makes you root for her the entire time. It's really moving and easily one of the best books I've read in such a long time. 10/10 recommend!

Very good,sentimental but not mushy.. feel good novel that captures the heart of a little girl very evocatively. Would definitely recommend

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn captures the life of the Nolan family, who live in the slums of Brooklyn, not by choice, but because they are poor. The book follows them from the opening of the 20th century through the 1920s. The central character here is Francie, the daughter of Katie and Johnny, opening when she is 11, and follows her through her teenage years. The book is a coming-of-age novel, but at the same time, it's a look at many issues prevalent at the time which one could argue are still prevalent now. For example, beyond the immediate effects of poverty on Francie's family's life, the author has also reflected on how people both on the inside and outside of the Nolan's community viewed poverty. There is a great scene where Francie and her brother went to a "celebration for the poor of all faiths" (211) -- where the kids received little gifts, watched a play, etc., and then there was a give away of a doll. The woman gives a speech about the child giving away the doll, saying that "Little Mary is a very rich little girl," who had received a lot of dolls for Christmas, and wanted to give the doll to "some poor little Mary." All of the "poor" little girls refused to own up to being named Mary, because no one wanted to be a "symbol of all the poor little girls in the audience" (212). There's also a part where Francie, who wants to become a writer and is good at it, turns in compositions about "poverty, starvation and drunkenness" which her teacher tells her are "ugly subjects to choose.." and while Francie argues that they are true, the teacher says something along the lines of well, sure, but these are not subjects to be written about. (321). Smith also writes about the perception among many of the poor that education would lift their children out of the slums and give them a chance to have a better life than the previous generation, but at the age where they can go on to high school, many families were so poor that the kids had to get working papers to help support the family, sounding the death knell of many parents' dreams to get their children out of the slums and into a better situation, further perpetuating the cycle. I could go on. Gender, geography, the role of women, these are all important themes, but I can't write forever here. What this book is really about is hope and perseverance. At the end of my edition is a little bio of the author, and in it, the author's daughter notes "She often said about 'Tree' that she didn't write it the way it was, but the way it should have been." I think the reason this book resonates with so many people is reflected in that statement. Would we have liked it as much if she had written A Tree Grows in Brooklyn "the way it was?" Contrast this book with Ann Petry's The Street, where it was definitely written the way it was and see which you like better. I vaguely remember reading this book as a teen, but I think my recommendation would be to older readers who are a bit more life savvy. There's a lot in this book to contemplate.

If you like a fast-paced plot, this book is not for you. The author does capture life as it really was for immigrant or first generation families in Brooklyn, NY. In the early 1900’s It is an honest portrayal of the day to day struggles of impoverished people who still had their pride and their focus on improving the lives of the next generation.

Me encantó este libro. Debo confesar que tenía mis reservas, pero me enganchó enseguida. Una historia de superación que además ofrece una fotografía fiel del Brooklyn de principios-mediados del siglo XX, poblado casi en su totalidad de inmigrantes de múltiples nacionalidades europeas. La autora rememora su infancia, que puede calificarse de humilde, pero no miserable, pues no se entrega a la autocompasión. De hecho, a pesar de las vicisitudes pasadas, la evoca como un tiempo feliz. Un libro encantador en su género y una obra que querrás volver a leer. Muy recomendable.

The story starts with the narration of a little girl named Francie Nolan descendant of Irish immigrants living near Brooklyn at the beginning of the 20 th century. The family has to struggle through a life of poverty and its exposure to the fierce rules of working conditions of that period. Her father, a dreamer, gets only access to odd jobs, whereas her mother is the down-to-earth woman who finally becomes the principal source of income. Despite this almost desperate situation, the story tells also about hope and positive developments by beliefing in oneself and continuous striving for a better life. Francie dreams since she was a little girl of becoming a writer and against all odds she manages even to study at university.

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down.

The story of the family tells us of what’s important for us and families.

A real page Turner with endearing characters. Enjoyed every minute of it. I don't suppose today's Brooklyn looks the same.