LiterariLeigh

“The world was hers for the reading.”

Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Several years ago, I went to visit a friend who was living in Brooklyn, NY. While there we went and walked around the botanical gardens (which are beautiful!) and I purchased “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” shirt. I knew the title was from a well-known book, but at the time I had not read it.

This situation has been rectified and I now understand why it's such a widely read classic. Beginning in turn of the century Brooklyn, author Betty Smith introduces us to young Francie Nolan. She is a child who knows poverty, beauty, disappointment, a desire for knowledge, and like the tree she watches grow against all odds, a powerful inner strength. While growing up in difficult circumstances, Francie discovers the library, books and a love of reading - she knows she will never be lonely or stuck in one place as long as she can escape through stories. As she moves into her teen years, her thoughts and feelings become deeper and her dedication to truly experience life thrusts her forward, always educating herself, and realizing how much her Brooklyn roots are a part of her. This is a truly exquisite period piece that has held up beautifully to the test of time.