![A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Perennial Classics) by [Betty Smith]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41sjhPcpjyL.jpg)
A perennial classic, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, was first published in 1943. I don’t remember how old I was when I first read the novel, nor do I remember absorbing as much of the rich, sensitive writing as I have with this second, recent reading.
The book, set in the early 1900s, rarely leaves the Brooklyn area and most of that takes place in rough tenement neighborhoods. It is tough living, especially for poor people. And Francie’s family is poor. Her mother scrubs floors in three tenement buildings to keep the family in food and rent. Her father works as a singing waiter, when he can get a job, but he has a serious drinking problem. Even so, he’s a loving father and his children adore him.
Mary Frances Nolan, or Francie, is the oldest child, followed by her brother, only a year younger. Much later another little girl is born. The story is told mostly from Francie’s point of view. Francie is always thinking, her creative mind trying to make sense of what is going on around her. The hardships and rough living conditions are accepted, mostly without complaint, but her dreams soar with her imagination, intelligence and creativity. At that time and place, graduating from sixth grade was an impressive accomplishment, but Francie has the impossible dream of going to college.
Francie’s life is metaphorically compared to a Chinese sumac, the Tree of Heaven, common to Brooklyn tenement yards. The tree is indestructible; can seemingly grow out of cement. Francie often sits on a fire escape in the shade of the tree’s umbrella-shaped leaves to blissfully read and dream.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a poignant story of perseverance and hope amidst hardship. Even if you read this book years ago, it’s worth reading again. This second reading brought fresh insights and a deeper understanding of our country’s attitudes and values of that time period. I recommend this book for anyone twelves years and older. It is truly an American classic.