The tree in question is a lovely tree and in all respects shouldn't be growing in the slums of Brooklyn. And neither should Francie or her brother Neeley. But they do because of the love and encouragement heaped on them by their parents.
This is a story of growing up poor and trying to make ends meet in the early 1900s just before and during World War I.
Francie's father Johnny is an alcoholic and while the family has lots of love for each other, there is also concern about his drinking. Francie's mother Katie is the primary breadwinner of the family, holding down multiple jobs which allows them to scrape by.
Francie and Neeley have a tight bond and they often work together to bring in extra pennies. Though as Neeley ages he becomes more world-wise in many respects than Francie.
This book is engrossing to read and is a timeless story of family and love.
Rating: 10 / 10
Publisher: Perennial Classics