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Lunch » Tags » Movie » Reviews » A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith » User review

A Classic Worth Reading.... and re-reading

  • Dec 14, 2008
  • by
Rating:
+5
I was forced to read this book by my mother, who was forced to read it by HER mother. I'll be keeping the legacy alive, as my children will DEFINITELY be forced to read this one.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is by far my favorite book. Betty Smith's characters are so real and well-developed that I almost feel as if Francie should be alive somewhere as an elderly lady, re-telling her story. Every character in this book is relatable and loveable in their own way, yet I'll always have a special place in my heart for Francie (the narrator) who quiet, lonely, introspective, thoughtful and bright. Every time I read this book, I get a little choked up for her.
One of my favorite things about this book is the amount of detail Betty Smith goes into when describing Brooklyn and all of Francie's surroundings, making it so easy to picture every street, alleyway, corner store and apartment building in your mind. 

"A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" is a book one can re-read year after year and still be interested. I truly wish Betty Smith had published more books.  

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More A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Be... reviews
review by . February 20, 2009
An Elia Kazan Masterpiece yet to be released on DVD...    OK, OK... So what?  The film isn't as wonderful as the book.  They never are.  Because the book is lengthy and takes place from before Francie is born untll after she is 16 years old, the movie concentrates on Francie as a teenager ages 14 - 15.  Also one of Katie's sisters is eliminated and her qualities and quotes from the book are giving to Sissy, somewhat toning down her character. Other characters, …
review by . November 17, 2008
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, is named as one of the Century's Best Books by the New York Public Library for a reason. Originally published some 60 years ago, even to jaded readers of modern contemporary fiction, it remains highly readable. Every word.    This was my mother's favorite book. I remember watching the movie with her when I was a child and for these two reasons, reading was slow. I couldn't help but reflect on the story as if they were MY memories rather than the main character's, …
see all A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Be... reviews (3)
About the reviewer
Lisa Marie ()
Ranked #326
I love to travel. I lived & went to school in London in '06 and I miss it like crazy. I do Event Planning/Event PRfor a neighborhood in Chicago and Part Time "Heineken Girl". I live in Chicago's "Old … more
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About this movie

Wiki

Movie description The story centers on young Francis Nolan, whose father's sudden death leaves the family to somehow survive in a harsh, desperate time. Like the tree in the back of their house, uncared for and forgotten, their struggle to survive is a valiant one. Based on Betty Smith's 1943 novel. Academy Award Nominations: 2, including Best Screenplay. Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor--James Dunn.

 Credits Writer: Frank Davis Producer: Louis D. Lighton Cast: James Gleason, Peggy Ann Garner
Editorial reviews "Kazan avoids romanticizing poverty, and his focus on performance is already firmly in place."
Uncut - Danny Leigh (06/01/2005)

 Awards 1945 Academy Awards, Best Supporting Actor: James Dunn
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