Betty Smith

The title of this book popped out at me from a bookcase at a Border's store recently. Being vaguely familiar with the title (I now recognise it as being from a list of 'must-read' books in Time magazine). I started to read it at the store and when we had to leave, I just had to buy the book to be able to finish it at home. I read it in two days (which is amazing, considering I have a young child) and absolutely loved the book.

Betty Smith's story about a young girl, Francie, growing up in the poorest sections of Brooklyn, is funny, touching and, at all times, uplifting. The poverty and desperate hunger and want of the people is not used to create a picture of bleak hopelessness as many authors are wont to. I loved the book for its portrayal of a young girl's determination to get the best she can out of life. The strength of a mother struggling against all odds to ensure that her children experience a life beyond the grey drudgery of poverty. The love of the father, too weak to curb his alcoholism, but bright enough to fill his family's (especially his daughter's) imagination with song and colour.

The story is narrated mostly in Francie's perspective. About how she forms her own opinions and attitudes to life and is supposed to be partly autobiographical. This was Betty Smith's most popular novel and none of the follow up books did as well as this one. I, for one, am looking forward to reading the next book 'Joy in the Morning' by the author which takes up on Francie's life where 'A Tree...' left off.

I would highly recommend the book to anyone looking for a good book to read.