A Tree Grows In Brooklyn

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn is an American roman à clef novel by Betty Smith first published in 1943. It relates the coming-of-age story of its main character, Francie Nolan, against a backdrop of tenement life in Brooklyn, New York at the turn of the 20th century.

Related Topics:
Roman à clef - Novel - Betty Smith - 1943 - Tenement - Brooklyn - New York - 20th century

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In pre-WWI Brooklyn, young Francie struggles to keep her idealism alive in the face of grinding poverty and the comedies and tragedies of ordinary life. The Nolans manage to enjoy life on pennies despite great poverty and the alcoholism of Francie's father. We come to know these people well through big and little troubles: Aunt Sissy's scandalous succession of "husbands"; the removal of the one tree visible from their tenement; and young Francie's desire to transfer to a better school...if irresponsible Papa can get his act together.

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It was adapted into a 1945 film directed by Elia Kazan, starring James Dunn and Dorothy McGuire.

Related Topics:
1945 - Film - Directed - Elia Kazan - James Dunn - Dorothy McGuire

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