A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
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4.5 • 149 Ratings
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- $0.99
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- $0.99
Publisher Description
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.
Customer Reviews
Affecting and poignant
I knew nothing about this book except it was a “classic.” It took a few chapters but soon I was captivated by the story of Francie, growing up part of a poor Brooklyn family. It feels real and authentic. I didn’t expect to like this book but its writing got under my skin and I didn’t want it to end. There are a few of-a-time racist stereotypes that shouldn’t distract from the thread but be aware they are there.
Timeless. Must reread
stands the test of time. Contemporary and relevant
Disgusting
The way blacks, native Americans and Jews are depicted in this book is horrible, disgusting and it is incomprehensible that the children in the book would do and say such libelous things and never get reprimanded or scolded; I can’t tolerate it in anything I read or see on tv. It should be banned from younger readers reading lists for this reason. If I had children, I wouldn’t want them to know that Irish catholic people thought negatively and harshly about blacks, native Americans, Jews and poor immigrants.