A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

By: Betty Smith

Narrated by: Kate Burton

A moving coming-of-age story set in the 1900s, 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 children's 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 off to college, always carrying the beloved Brooklyn of her childhood in her heart.

©1947 Betty Smith (P)2001 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Critic reviews

"There's a reason this tale remains beloved after almost 50 years, and it stands with memoirs like Angela's Ashes for its happy-ending triumph over a bad childhood." (AudioFile)
"A profoundly moving novel, and an honest and a true one. It cuts right to the heart of life." (The New York Times)

A book everyone should read

This is a must read for anyone who considers themselves well read. The book is beyond fabulous and although it takes place in the early 1900's there's nothing about the story that is dated. It is about love and loving, growth, famlies, immigration, learning and passion.

You will find yourself in every character as well as your mother, father, aunts and uncles. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn should be required reading.

The only caution is the prologue. It's a self indulgent, self congratulatory piece of goo that adds nothing to the story and may put you off of what is a spectacular piece of literature.

Endearing

As fresh today as when it was written. Not a plot-driven story, but a rich, rewarding listen about life in turn-of-the-century Brooklyn, as well as a warm and endearing coming-of-age story of young Francie. Could not be more delightful. Couldn't stop listening! Try it, you'll like it.

Always a favorite

I have loved this book from the time I was 13, which is a 47 years ago. I have read it several times and loved the audio version just as much. What a classic.

What an Experience!

Truly loved this book!.
The narrator was spot on and I could picture the little girl growing up before my eyes. I can see why this book was required reading for high school students.

A great find

Molly Manning's book, When Books Went to War, mentioned this book several times so I had to find out what was so great that soldiers clamored to read it while spending time in a cold, wet foxhole. What a surprise. This book is well written, the characters are rich and full, sometimes its funny and sometimes way past sad but it always left me wondering what would happen next. The story is a lot like Angela's Ashes but I think its better

MUST READ

i love it so much!
I have listened to it 3 times now.
i strongly recommend this book to everyone especially teen boys and girls and ladies of all ages really

3rd time reading

I don't know what it is about this book, but I think about the characters long after I have finished. I have to keep reminding myself that they are fictional characters.

Beautifully written tale

I was surprised by how many times I was moved to tears while listening to the story of little Francie Nolan. It gave me a glimpse of early twentieth century Brooklyn and all the struggles that came with life at that time. Sure, this is a coming-of-age tale, but ya so much more. The narrator did a fantastic job with the various accents and singing. I’m ever so glad I got a glimpse of the world through the eyes of bright little Francie Nolan.

A great book but...

I know this book well as it was on my highschool reading list. I could have done without the 13 min long introduction though. I know it may be a special part to some people but it almost made me want to delete the book. (They should really re-think reading this!) This alone brought the rating down for me or it would have definately been 4 - 5 stars.

Just as good now

What did you love best about A Tree Grows in Brooklyn?

Francie Nolan's world view. I read this book back when I was in high school almost 50 years ago. It hasn't lost any relevance over the years.

What did you like best about this story?

Francie stays true to herself while adapting to every new twist in her life.

Have you listened to any of Kate Burton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Have not listened to Kate Burton before but I will look for more audiobooks narrated by her.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both - but neither laughing nor crying is extreme.

Any additional comments?

It's not many books you can re-read that still resonate as much as it did when you are a teenager. Well worth the time.