2004 Year in Review

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a timeless masterpiece by Betty Smith and a true delight for all readers. This is a book leads the reader into times of reminiscence, laughter, and tears. Francie Nolan, the heroine, grows up despite bone-wearying poverty, the death of her father, and a prejudicial education. Set in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York, at the turn of the 20th century, Betty Smith allows us to not only watch Francie grow, learn and change, but also uses her to teach us.

Francie is the product of a lineage of strong women who were all “frail creatures, slender, with wondering eyes and soft fluting voices, but who were made with thin invisible steel.” However, her father is a weak character, but he gives unconditional love to Francie and a love of music, dance, lyrics, and rhymes. The family also includes her brother, Neely, who is two years younger, and later, her baby sister, Laurie.

The family lives in a crowded tenement in Brooklyn where it is a struggle to survive, let alone to flourish. But, somehow, Francie, though the many experiences of the book, does survive, as does her brother, baby sister, and Mother. She is like one of those trees, which pop up through a crack in the pavement pushing for the light and air, which manage under unimaginable odds to survive and become a life-giving source. This is the story of Betty Smith, the author.

The delight of this book is not only watching Francie grow, but the phrases of explanation that Betty Smith uses. The insight she gives this child/woman into poverty, education, justice, death, birth, and living are the deep, heartfelt moments of this book. I did not want this book to end. I loved Francie Nolan, cheered for her, and wept for her, but it is the lyrical words of Betty Smith that give this book true life and make it a remarkable read for all times. A true classic!!

by Anne Frame, Guest Columnist
April 27, 2004