A Tree Grows In Brooklyn Book Review

There is something universal about growing up. No matter where we are living or what time period we are living in, growing up is never easy.

Betty Smith’s classic novel, A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, is set in Brooklyn during the first two decades of the 20th century. Francie Nolan is a second generation American living in the poorer section of Brooklyn, NY. Her mother, Katie is a realist. Her father, Johnny is a dreamer who not only has a drinking problem, but his employment history is sketchy. Francie is a smart, capable girl, who like her father is a dreamer, but she also knows the reality of the world she is growing up in.

This book is a classic for a reason. Francie is an every girl. Even though she is living in early 20th century New York City, there is a universal quality to her and the narrative.

I recommend it.

Advertisement