Book review: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
October 20, 2008
First published in 1943, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is an instant and endearing classic I wished would never end. As Anna Quindlen describes in the book’s forward, “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is not the sort of book that can be reduced to its plot line. The best anyone can say is that it is a story about what it means to be human.”
Through the eyes of young Francie, the reader is drawn to Brooklyn circa 1919 where Smith weaves realistic issues of race, poverty, alcoholism, gender roles and immigrant status at the turn of the century. This book has been a favorite of my book club.
This traditional perspective fails to take into account that in many countries, youth are very much active players, con- tributing to the public good, and having a voice in their communities. ,
They want to cut down on the number of minors who buy alcohol. ,