Plot:

The beloved American classic about a young girl’s coming-of-age at the turn of the century, Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a poignant and moving tale filled with compassion and cruelty, laughter and heartache, crowded with life and people and incident. The story of young, sensitive, and idealistic Francie Nolan and her bittersweet formative years in the slums of Williamsburg has enchanted and inspired millions of readers for more than sixty years. By turns overwhelming, sublime, heartbreaking, and uplifting, the daily experiences of the unforgettable Nolans are raw with honesty and tenderly threaded with family connectedness — in a work of literary art that brilliantly captures a unique time and place as well as incredibly rich moments of universal experience

Review:

Betty Smith’s classic novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a rather odd book in the sense that it has no real plot. There wasn’t a build up to some significant event or events; it’s simply the story of Francie Nolan growing up in Brooklyn, New York during the 1900’s. That about sums it up. Of course, the Nolan family go through their share of hardships. Francie’s father has trouble finding work, and he’s the town drunk but in Francie’s eyes, her papa can do no wrong. They have a special connection. Personally, I took an instant liking to Francie especially in the second chapter when she talks about her love of books and shares with us her special reading spot. Being a book lover myself and someone who enjoys a little peace and quiet now and then, I can relate.

Did I like this novel? It wasn’t too bad. The pace is slow—like a turtle walking backwards slow. The plot was rather plain, but I enjoyed Francie enough to want to finish our journey together. I felt a little detached while reading. It might just be the author’s writing style, but I didn’t feel pulled into the story like I have with other books. Sometimes you read a book, and you’re there with the character but other times you’re There There; when they’re upset, you cry; when they’re angry, you want to punch a wall. I lacked those feelings. I’m not saying don’t read it. I’m just saying I didn’t connect as well with this novel.

2/5 Stars