A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

by Betty Smith
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Historical Fiction
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Format • £9.49
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4028
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
  • Published: 1947-01-01
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 4

Set in the early 1900s, 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' follows Francie Nolan and her brother Neeley as they grow up in the Williamsburg slums of Brooklyn. The novel vividly portrays the challenges of urban poverty, the strength of family bonds, and the resilience of the human spirit. Francie's journey from childhood to young adulthood is marked by her aspirations for a better life and her determination to rise above her circumstances. The book is a powerful exploration of themes such as identity, class, and the immigrant experience. Through Francie's eyes, the reader witnesses the struggles and joys of growing up in a harsh environment, as well as the enduring hope for a brighter future. Betty Smith's classic novel remains a timeless tale of personal growth and the indomitable will to succeed.

Reviews
The New Yorker · 2024-12-30
harrowing 3.50

The novel is more about the harsh realities of poverty and brutality in Brooklyn rather than a sentimental New York story. It highlights the struggle and resilience of its characters.

The reviewer points out that 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' is often misconstrued as a feel-good story about New York. Instead, it delves deeply into the struggles of an immigrant family in early 20th-century Brooklyn. The narrative is raw and unflinching, focusing on the poverty and brutality that define the characters' lives. The reviewer appreciates the novel's honesty and its portrayal of the determination required to escape such circumstances. They also note that the book is a poignant reminder of the complexities of urban life and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants.

Quick quotes

    Memorialized as the quintessential Brooklyn novel, it is really a book about leaving the borough—and escaping the poverty and brutality of early 20th-century life.

    The novel's power lies in its unflinching portrayal of the struggles of its characters.

    It is a story of resilience and the enduring spirit of those who fight against the odds.

Reddit - r/literature · 2022-07-14
beloved 4.00

The novel is beloved by many readers, who find it reminiscent of their own family stories and personal experiences.

Several Reddit users share their love for 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,' noting how it reminds them of their own family stories and personal experiences. They appreciate the novel's ability to capture the essence of growing up in early 20th-century New York City. Many readers have read the book multiple times, finding new layers of meaning and emotional resonance with each reading. The novel's portrayal of family life, resilience, and the struggles of poverty strikes a chord with readers, making it a beloved classic. The discussions highlight the novel's enduring appeal and its ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level.

Quick quotes

    It's a lovely book, and it reminds me of the stories my mom told me about growing up in the 20's and 30's in NYC.

    I loved that book. Read it when I was like 12 and again at 20 and 35 and 45.

    This is one of my favourite all time books.

Hudson Review · 2021-10-01
vivid 4.50

The vivid language and sensory details bring the intense life of Brooklyn to life. The novel's strength lies in its ability to evoke the raw and beautiful experiences of its characters.

The reviewer highlights the sheer sensuality of the experiences depicted in the novel, praising Smith's eye for detail. They note how the language vividly evokes the intense life described, making the story both poignant and deeply moving. The reviewer appreciates the way the novel captures the essence of growing up in a challenging environment, filled with both hardship and beauty. They find the portrayal of the characters and their struggles to be particularly compelling, making the novel a rich and immersive read.

Quick quotes

    The sheer sensuality of experience is one of the strongest aspects of Tree, its language vividly evoking the intense life it describes.

    Smith's eye for detail is unparalleled, bringing the gritty and beautiful aspects of Brooklyn to life.

    The novel captures the essence of growing up in a challenging environment, filled with both hardship and beauty.

What Cathy Read Next · Cathy · 2021-02-20
heartwarming 4.50

The reviewer loved spending time with the Nolan family and found the novel to be a heartwarming and engaging read.

Cathy expresses her deep affection for 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,' particularly her time spent with the Nolan family. She finds the novel to be a heartwarming and engaging read that captures the essence of family life in early 20th-century Brooklyn. Cathy appreciates the vivid descriptions and the emotional depth of the characters, which make the story both relatable and compelling. She also highlights the novel's ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and the enduring power of family bonds. Overall, Cathy's review is a testament to the novel's timeless appeal and its ability to resonate with readers across generations.

Quick quotes

    As you may have gathered, I loved my time spent with the Nolan family.

    A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a book from my Classics Club list, and it did not disappoint.

    The novel's vivid descriptions and emotional depth make it a compelling read.

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