An Apt Portrayal

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Betty Smith

Growing up. It's a concept that everyone understands, but few can articulate; a mundane mystery. The time flies by and there is no way to stop it. Change creeps up, its victims unaware. Words fail to describe the intricate way circumstances and situations mold every person and deliver them at their life's eventual destination. Most of the time.

Betty Smith is one of the exceptions.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is the story of a young girl named Francie Nolan as she goes through that ever so familiar process of growing up. Living in the slums of Brooklyn, she struggles with issues like injustice, prejudice, and poverty. An alcoholic father, a weary mother, and an eccentric collection of aunts and neighbors all play a part in Francie's learning experiences. With a thirst for knowledge, Francie characterizes the classical inquisitive child. She finds joy in the simple things like checking out a library book instead of buying candy like the more wealthy children in her neighborhood. As she grows older and matures, she grows in her knowledge and adds to her skills in writing. The plot certainly is not the lovable tale of a perfect childhood, but it realistically portrays the troubled yet vibrant years of a girl in Brooklyn. Through the good, the bad, and the worse, Francie becomes more and more scarred by the world, but a better person for it, one who has blossomed regardless of the harsh storms.

With every page-turn, readers will grow closer and closer to Francie herself. They will cry with her sorrows and laugh with her joys. Evoking a nostalgic remembrance of their own childhood, the book brings the concept of growing up closer to heart. Readers sympathize with Francie and even learn lessons about life and themselves that they never considered. Betty Smith characterizes change in Francie's family and superbly instills in her readers a feeling of reminiscence and gratefulness for lessons past. Although not appropriate for young children because of mature situations and disturbing encounters, nearly every reader will be touched personally by this poignant story.

I admire Betty Smith for her apt presentation of change and turmoil. It is no small accomplishment to so perfectly describe a young girl’s maturing. I highly recommend this book. It’s lessons will not soon leave my mind, and its impact will linger for many years.