Summary
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a semi-autobiographical novel by Betty Smith, published in 1943. This coming-of-age story focuses on Francie Nolan, who grows up in the impoverished neighborhood of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York, during the early 20th century. Francie, along with her younger brother Neely, navigates the challenges of poverty, the hopes and disappointments of their Irish immigrant family, and the aspirations that drive each family member to seek a better life. The narrative spans Francie's life from childhood to her teenage years, providing a poignant exploration of the struggles and resilience of the working class.
The story begins with 11-year-old Francie and her experiences in a tenement neighborhood, depicting her family's struggle to escape the grip of poverty. Johnny, Francie's father, is an alcoholic but loving and imaginative, whereas her mother, Katie, shoulders the responsibility of providing for the family with unwavering practicality and determination. Through the highs and lows that follow, including Johnny's untimely death and Katie's steadfast resolve in facing the aftermath, Francie's journey towards adulthood unfolds. She inherits her mother's resilience and her father's dreams, pursuing her education and nurturing her ambition to rise beyond the confines of her upbringing.
Divided into five sections, or “books,” following Francie’s personal growth, the novel deftly captures the intricacies of family dynamics and the impact of socioeconomic conditions. The significance of education as a means of escape from poverty and the theme of perseverance resonate through Francie's journey. Much like the Tree of Heaven, a symbol of resilience and growth amid adversity, Francie's story is one of hope and determination in the face of daunting challenges.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn became a nationwide bestseller, resonating with readers across generations for its authentic portrayal of life's struggles and the undying human spirit. Through the character of Francie Nolan and her family's experiences, Betty Smith offers a timeless story that continues to inspire and move readers with its depth, warmth, and realism.
Themes
The need for tenacity and determination to rise above difficult circumstances
Idealism vs. pragmatism
Poverty and its effects
Immigrant struggles and the American Dream
The impact of alcoholism
Education
Coming of age and loss of innocence
Family relationships and dysfunction
Love between parents and children
Loyalty and exploitation
Dignity and hope
Setting
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is set in the early 20th century, primarily in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. It follows the coming-of-age story of Francie Nolan, an Irish-American girl growing up in poverty with her family in this working-class area. The book spans the first two decades of the 1900s, capturing the era of early 20th-century America when many immigrants were struggling to build a life in the crowded urban centers. The Nolan family, like many others in Williamsburg at the time, faced the harsh realities of poverty, alcoholism, and the daily challenges of making ends meet.
While the story is primarily set in the Williamsburg neighborhood, the larger geographical context is the borough of Brooklyn itself, which was a diverse and densely populated area teeming with immigrant communities during this period. The novel vividly depicts the sights, sounds, and struggles of life in this working-class neighborhood, painting a vivid picture of the era and the specific challenges faced by families like the Nolans.
Characters
Mary Frances "Francie" Nolan: The protagonist. An 11-year-old girl growing up in poverty in the tenements of Brooklyn, New York, with dreams and a deep love for reading and learning.
Katie Rommely Nolan: Francie's hardworking mother, whose practicality and survival instincts drive her actions.
Johnny Nolan: Francie's father, a singing waiter with a drinking problem, who is loved dearly by his family but troubled.
Cornelius "Neeley" Nolan: Francie's younger brother, favored by their mother and more socially accepted than Francie.
Sissy Rommely: Katie's sister and one of Francie's aunts, known for her kind heart and complicated personal life.
Eva "Evy" Rommely Flittman: Another of Francie's aunts, struggling with her own domestic issues but shows resilience.
Eliza Rommely: Francie's aunt who became a nun, who is mentioned briefly in the novel and perceived by Francie with a mix of curiosity and confusion.
Thomas and Mary Rommely: Francie's grandparents, immigrants who represent the older generation's struggles and values.
Lee Rhynor: Francie's first love interest, who ultimately disappoints her with his insincerity.
Ben Blake: A driven and ambitious boy who becomes close to Francie during her summer college courses.
Flossie Gaddis: A neighbor of the Nolans, known for her quest for love and a covered arm hiding scars from an accident.
Quick facts
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn began as a work of nonfiction titled They Lived in Brooklyn, which Betty Smith began submitting to publishers in 1940. It was only after being rejected repeatedly and then expanded and revised at the suggestion of Harper & Brothers' editors that it became the novel we know today.
The novel was an immediate success, requiring a second printing even before its official publication date in 1943.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was one of the most popular titles in the Armed Services Edition, a series designed to fit into a service member's pocket and distributed for free to American military personnel during World War II. Smith reportedly received 10 times more fan mail from soldiers than from civilians.
In addition to screen and stage adaptations, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was the basis for a 1944 comic strip.
The Tree of Heaven that Francie admires, which gives the book its title, is known for its ability to grow in harsh environments, reflecting the resilience and hopes of the main characters.
Adaptations
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was adapted into a critically acclaimed 1945 feature film, marking the directorial debut of Elia Kazan. James Dunn won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Johnny Nolan, Francie's father. Peggy Ann Garner won a Special Academy Award for Outstanding Child Actress for her role as Francie. In 1974, the novel was adapted into a TV movie starring Cliff Robertson and Pamelyn Ferdin. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn also inspired a Broadway musical, first produced in 1951. Goodspeed Opera House mounted a revival in 2003.
About the author
Betty Smith (1896-1972) was an American writer best known for her 1943 novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Born to German-American parents in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York, she developed an early passion for reading and writing. Despite facing economic hardships that forced her to leave school at 14, she remained determined to pursue education and writing. In 1919, Smith married George H. E. Smith and moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they started a family. Despite the constraints of her domestic life, she sought to further her education and writing career, eventually attending the University of Michigan. Her persistence paid off when she won the prestigious Avery Hopwood Award for her play Francie Nolan. After her divorce in 1938, Smith continued to hone her craft, eventually leading to her success as a novelist with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Smith continued to write novels, including Tomorrow Will Be Better (1947) and Joy in the Morning (1963).
Throughout her life, Smith faced personal and professional challenges with resilience, reflecting her deep commitment to storytelling and her belief in the transformative power of literature. Her works, characterized by their detailed portrayals of family life, poverty, and the pursuit of betterment through education and determination, continue to inspire readers.
