A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
by Betty Smith
Sometimes publishers and reviewers have the audacity to promote a newly published book as a “classic.” In my opinion a classic is a book of excellence that has stood the test of time and is judged to be worthy of reading and rereading by future generations. First published in 1943, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is such a book. Written by Betty Smith, it is fiction but it has its basis in Betty Smith’s own coming of age in Brooklyn.
The protagonist is Francie, a girl who grows up in difficult circumstances of poverty with an alcoholic father who is nonetheless likable. Her mother favors her younger brother over Francie knowing she will be able to succeed in spite of her background. Francie, like Betty Smith herself, from a young age is a reader and a writer. Francie’s mother, Katie, works cleaning houses and believes with all of her being that education is the route to success for her children. She insists that her children read a page from Shakespeare and the Bible each night. She evens barters piano lessons for herself and Francie, with little brother Neeley, who inherited his father’s musical aptitude, watching. Their father Johnny worked as a singing waiter when he could get employment.
There is not a plot per se in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn; it is a recounting of a family’s struggle to survive. The reader is immersed in the setting, the culture, and the characters. Despite the lack of twists, cliff hangers, climax, and denouement, this novel is a page turner of a gentle sort. Ripe with symbolism, this book is perfect for discussion and introspection. It opens the door to an era gone by and good hearted, imperfect people who want to keep their dysfunctional families intact and give their children a better life than they had. It is the fight for the American Dream set down on paper.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Classic, Literary Fiction
Publication: 1943—Harper Collins
Memorable Lines:
Mama explained: “Francie is entitled to one cup each meal like the rest. If it makes her feel better to throw it away rather than to drink it, all right. I think it’s good that people like us can waste something once in a while and get the feeling of how it would be to have lots of money and not have to worry about scrounging.”
“Who wants to die? Everything struggles to live. Look at that tree growing up there out of that grating. It gets no sun, and water only when it rains. It’s growing out of sour earth. And it’s strong because its hard struggle to live is making it strong. My children will be strong that way.”
Oh, the last time how clearly you see everything; as though a magnifying light had been turned on it. And you grieve because you hadn’t held it tighter when you had it every day.
education pathways 
I remember watching the black & white film on tv on a Saturday afternoon back in the early 70s but I don’t remember too much about it. Your review makes me want to read the book now and maybe even see the movie again. Not sure why, but when I think of the movie it makes me think of Anne Frank.
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Hmm. I don’t know what the connection with Anne Frank would be unless you saw both movies around the same time. I haven’t seen the movie, but I would imagine the book is even better; it usually works out that way.
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Possibly. And if I’m right, the story is being told by a teenage girl going through angst. I will definitely read the book first; I usually like to see the movie but only after reading the book.
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I have heard of this book of course, but never read it…it sounds like I should remedy that! Thanks Linda~
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I hadn’t heard of it until one of my book club members suggested we read it as it is one of her favorite books and she has read it many times. It resonated with her. I enjoyed it and am glad to have it in my reading repertoire.
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I have never read this! I need to make sure I do!
Happy Thanksgiving Linda!
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I hope you enjoy it, Nancy, if you get a chance to read it.
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Oh, yes. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving to you too! We have so much to be thankful for. I think I remember that you are Canadian. When we lived in Mexico for 7 years we celebrated with the Canadian ex-pats on their day and they celebrated with us on our Thanksgiving. Win-win!🤣
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I’m celebrating with friends on Saturday!
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I loved this one. Definitely worth rereading!
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I thought you had probably read it since it is considered a classic. I don’t know how I missed out on it, but I’m glad my book club decided to read it.
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I still have lots of classics on my to-read list and try to read at least one a year. I just happened to read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn in the last five years or so. Sounds like you have a great book club!
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I don’t read a lot of classics, but this is one that I would like to read. Excellent review, Linda and I definitely agree with your definition of what a classic book is.
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Enjoy!
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Nice. Thanks for sharing.
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Sounds like an interesting and relevant read. I will have to check it out!
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It’s worth the read. It immerses you in a different time and place and is inspiring in the characters’ determination to survive despite difficult obstacles.
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