We will be discussing A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. This classic work of literature touches on timeless topics like family ties, loss, and poverty. Ms. Smith paints a picture of life in turn-of-the century Brooklyn for a poor family. She introduces us to Francie Nolan, and her family, her mother and father Katie and Johnny, and her brother Neelie as they struggle through what being poor means to them. They are always thinking about where the money to purchase their next load of coal will come from, or how will they pay the rent, will they have money for food or medicine, basically the necessities needed to raise a family. Yet this family is not hopeless and although they live in poverty they still have hope and dreams. Francine and Neelie always put half of the money they earn from their scavenging into the family's tin can where they are saving to purchase land.
Ms. Smith also takes us back to the very beginning of Johnny and Katie's relationship and we see the progression of their lives as newlyweds to the births of their children and the stress that financial hardship brings upon the family.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a story of growing up and innocence, life and love, caring and the way things go. Although you may not have a lot of money, you can do one thing that is free, and that is to love. We learn about sacrifice and the complexity of the human heart. This book is not only personal and emotional, it is also a reflection on a part of society that shows the life stories and hardships people were forced to endure and how they could change their lives.
To participate, please give $5 (no checks please) to Lorraine Patrick, in the Library, on or before September 28th. The cost includes your own personal copy of the book and tasty refreshments.
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