Tolog Review: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
by Betty Smith
reviewed by Soraya Cordero 

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith, shows the difficulty and the beauty of people in poverty, and the loss of innocence. The story is organized in one novel that is divided into five books. In the novel, the reader is introduced to the Nolan family consisting of Francie, Neeley, Katie, and Johnny. The novel opens up with Francie being eleven living in Brooklyn, New York in the year 1912. A tree is introduced to the reader, which is called the “Tree of Heaven”. It represents how even during the hardest of times there is still a piece of hope that should be held onto. It also represents the main character, Francie Nolan. It shows that just like the tree that grows with no light or soil, Francie will grow up to be strong despite living with disadvantages. Throughout the five books, we are taken on a journey that begins with the story of Francie’s parents and their struggles in marriage, takes us through Francie’s youth with growing responsibilities and diminishing innocence, and ends with the family escaping poverty and Francie achieving her dream of going to college.

The author’s style of writing is clear and concise and she weaves her way through present and past with great fluidity. The transitions within the life events of the characters are seamless. Separating the novel into five books allows the reader to have a better understanding of Francie’s background and her present life. Beginning the book with a single day helps us understand the characters and the details of everyday life. This allows the reader to be able to move into the other books with a greater understanding of the foundation of the Nolan family, and the essence of who Francie is within the world she lives in.

Once the author envelopes the reader in the world of the Nolans, she then focuses our attention on Francie. We see this young girl go through a coming of age. We see her struggle with poverty and loss of innocence and yet never lose her sense of hope. The reader is able to see the world in a different perspective and the concepts of family, growing up and success are defined by different parameters and expectations. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is written for young adult readers, but the story can relate to all ages, all races, and all social classes. It transcends a single geographic through its message of hope, love and perseverance. Just like the symbolic tree that grows from strong roots and stretches into the sky, Francie also depends on her foundation to develop her strength of character, holding on to love and family to ultimately prevail.