by Betty Smith
reviewed by Madeleine Hara
In A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith, the happiness of a young, poverty-stricken girl, Francie Nolan, is explored. Francie and her family live in a poor neighborhood in Brooklyn. Each family member, does his or her part in supporting the family, whether it is Francie and her brother, Neely’s junk collecting, their mother, Katie Nolan’s janitorial job, or their father “a handsome lovable fellow far superior to any man on the block” (Smith, 12), Johnny Nolan’s singing job that’s salary mainly feeds into his alcoholism “but he was a drunk” (12).
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is divided into five books, each narrating either Francie’s life or giving the reader a better understanding of Francie, the Nolan’s, and the community. The Nolan’s realize their economic situation, but they still manage to seek out life’s small beauties. Their perseverance and optimism is represented by the “Tree of Haven,” the tree that only grew in tenement neighborhoods or is known because “it liked poor people” (6). Despite the lack of care, the tree receives, it thrives, just like Francie. A fighter, she struggled against each obstacle thrown at her, but always remained hopeful.
A book of historical fiction, Betty Smith examines the classes, the lack of education that girls such as Francie Nolan receives “you’ll (Neeley) will go back to school, Francie’s money will be enough” (384), and the false conception of the “American Dream” “What did we have in the homeland?...But otherwise, it’s (America) been harder (82). Smith’s writing allows for reflection and the opportunity to look for examples of happiness in people that have nothing. By dividing A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, into five books, Smith also give the reader a timeline and the ability to relate the Nolan’s past, and the effect it has on their future. Smith writes with a certain ease, as each sentence is easily linked with several other fragments of the book.
I would recommend this book to most readers, especially those that enjoy historical fiction and novels. Those who also like coming-of-age stories such as Pride and Prejudice will also enjoy this compelling book. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is an inspiring story about overcoming struggle and having hope. As I was reading, I was drawn into the story, and felt all the emotions that Francie experienced. I highly recommend this amazing book that is not only an entertaining read, but is also a well-written book that has the ability to influence the reader’s view on poverty and the life of a young girl living in the nineteenth century.
