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Tree Grows in Brooklyn

By Betty Smith

(55)

| School & Library Binding | 9780808514626

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Book Description

A moving coming-of-age story set in the 1900's, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn follows the lives of 11-year-old Francie Nolan, her younger brother Neely, and their parents, Irish immigrants who have settled in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. Johnny Nolan is as loving and fanciful as they cContinue

A moving coming-of-age story set in the 1900's, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn follows the lives of 11-year-old Francie Nolan, her younger brother Neely, and their parents, Irish immigrants who have settled in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. Johnny Nolan is as loving and fanciful as they come, but he is also often drunk and out of work, unable to find his place in the land of opportunity. His wife Katie scrubs floors to put food on the table and clothes on her childrens' backs, instilling in them the values of being practical and planning ahead.

When Johnny dies, leaving Katie pregnant, Francie, smart, pensive and hoping for something better, cannot believe that life can carry on as before. But with her own determination, and that of her mother behind her, Francie is able to move toward the future of her dreams, completing her education and heading oft to college, always carrying the beloved Brooklyn of her childhood in her heart.

Critics

  • 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' by Betty Smith

    Originally published in 1943, this book is billed as a much-loved American classic. The cover of my new paperback edition says it was selected as one of the Books of the Century by the New York Public Library. But up until a recent visit to Manhattan ... (read full critics)

    readingmatters published on Mon, 27 Sep 2010

8 Reviews

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  • magnificent

    A great coming of age story and very well written. Because it is semi-autobiographical it does not move along a plot line or towards a climax like a tradional story. However, Betty Smith is able to keep a readers interest through a creative spinning of anecdotes and memories. Some might find the ... (continue)

    A great coming of age story and very well written. Because it is semi-autobiographical it does not move along a plot line or towards a climax like a tradional story. However, Betty Smith is able to keep a readers interest through a creative spinning of anecdotes and memories. Some might find the first couple chapters slow, as she sets up her life and routine. After that you won't be able to put it down. Although she talks about the privations and difficulties of growing up in a tenemant neighborhood, there's no sense of despair. She writes a beauty into a life of hardship as seen from the eyes of a child that you won't soon forget.

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    Dkirscht said on Apr 28, 2011 about the Paperback edition | Add your feedback

  • Brooklyn (New York) - 1900's

    Brilliant book, loved the characters (especially Francie!), the plot, the style. It is sweet, bitter, sad, joyful. One of those books that will stay with me forever.

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    Mati said on Jan 31, 2011 about the Paperback edition | Add your feedback

  • I loved this book and would give it 6 stars if I could!! It's a coming of age story of a girl in brooklyn.

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    Ann said on Nov 21, 2010 about the Paperback edition | Add your feedback

  • An eternal novel

    I found this book in a store, the first time I went to NYC in 2005. I loved it. It's so contemporary, even if it's from the sixties. One year ago it has been translated in Italian. A book not to miss.

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    Ms. Bunbury said on Jul 2, 2010 about the Paperback edition | Add your feedback

  • A brilliant book about a little girl growing up in Brooklyn. It details her struggles due to poverty, and pulls no punches. The only reason why this one is rated 3 stars is because I felt like the ending was rushed.

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    Heather Landry said on Aug 9, 2009 about the Paperback edition | Add your feedback

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9780808514626 School & Library Binding $22.55 -- The Book Depository
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