In 1944, Betty Smith's life changed dramatically as her book, 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,' gained immense popularity. Initially an unknown author, she became a celebrated figure when her semi-autobiographical work about the Nolan family captivated readers and led to a film adaptation. The book was notably popular among U.S. military personnel during World War II, further establishing its cultural impact. Smith’s portrayal of Brooklyn enchanted not just locals but readers from diverse backgrounds, making the borough a symbol of resilience and charm in American literature.
During World War II, 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' was one of the most popular books among the Armed Services Editions, which were mass-produced paperbacks selected by a panel of literary experts.
New York in the 1940s was not the city we know today...and it would be decades before anyone was humming along to a tune that brashly commanded... I want to be a part of it: New York, New York!
Even readers who had never set foot in the borough nonetheless found themselves enchanted by it through Smith's portrayal.
Betty Smith's 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' (2,500,000 copies sold) has become one of the best-loved novels of our time.
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