A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Betty Smith's sentimental favorite documents Francie Nolan's childhood and coming-of-age in a poor but loving family in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in the first half of the twentieth century. Kate Burton's narration makes the story feel more dated than timeless, and her accents push the boundaries of authenticity. Still, she communicates the universality of Francie's childhood dreams, and the image of young Francie, sitting out on the fire escape, so close to a growing tree that she feels as if she is nestled in its branches, with a pillow and a glass of ice water, "at peace with the world and happy as only a little girl could be with a fine book and a little bowl of candies, and all alone in the house," rings true and somehow familiar. There's a reason this tale remains beloved after almost 50 years, and it stands with memoirs like ANGELA'S ASHES for its happy-ending triumph over a bad childhood. J.M.D 2002 Audie Award Finalist (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

Anyone who missed reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn or who wants to know this moving story again should run, not walk, to the nearest source of this outstanding audiobook. The novel richly merits its status as a "classic." Francie, the protagonist, grows up in the slums of Brooklyn during the early part of the twentieth century, and life treats her badly. Less favored in her dysfunctional family than her brother, forced to leave school early, maltreated by fate and by people--she plunges forward, indomitable, courageous. What makes the listening experience so fine is the compelling and convincing narration by Bernadette Dunne, who not only has Francie down pat, but also captures the assorted other characters. She feels Francie's pain at the setbacks, her joy at the triumphs. And, as Francie matures, so does Dunne's presentation. Clearly Dunne was committed to creating something fine and, like Francie herself, she has. T.H. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine