A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Summary

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Here you will find a A Tree Grows in Brooklyn summary (Betty Smith's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Summary Overview

The narrative opens with a summer afternoon in 1912, in the Williamsburg district of Brooklyn, where a resilient Tree of Heaven grows amidst humble housing. Francie Nolan, an 11-year-old girl, and her younger brother are occupied in scavenging for items that might earn them a few pennies. Despite their impoverished condition, Francie is deeply attached to her surroundings and family. While her father, Johnny Nolan, an Irish man, contributes to their meager income through singing and waiting tables, the major responsibility of the household falls on the shoulders of her mother, Katie, who works as a janitor in lieu of rent. The story then takes a turn back to 1900 when Katie and Johnny first crossed paths, fell for each other, and got married within six months. However, their struggle amplifies when Katie gets pregnant and the family's financial burden increases, pushing Johnny to become an unreliable provider. Despite their hardship, they manage to relocate and find comfort in their new residence on Lorimer Street. As Francie and Neeley start school, Francie's enthusiasm for education is tested by the harsh reality of her neighbourhood school. However, her determination and father's support lead her to a better school where she can learn without discrimination. As Francie and Neeley grow, they revel in the joy of small celebrations and traditions. But life slowly strips away Francie's innocence through some challenging experiences. This includes the cruel holiday tradition of tree-throwing and a disconcerting encounter with a sexual predator. She also becomes painfully aware of her father's alcoholism which ultimately leads to his death. This life-altering event triggers a rebellious streak in Francie, pushing her to question her beliefs and values. Despite the tumultuous changes, Francie's compassionate nature remains intact, evident in her care for her pregnant mother. The story concludes as Francie and Neeley start to work and contribute to the family income, supporting their mother and newborn sister, Laurie. The arrival of World War I, a blossoming love interest, and an impending marriage for Katie, mark significant turns in Francie's life. As she prepares to leave for college, the resilient Tree of Heaven continues to thrive, symbolizing the unyielding spirit of the Nolans.

chapter 1

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is a neighborhood where the Tree of Heaven flourishes. This tree, thriving in the most unusual places, is a common sight in areas inhabited by the less fortunate. Francie Nolan, an eleven-year-old girl, has one of these trees in her yard. On Saturdays, Francie and her brother, Neeley, collect recyclables like tin foil and sell them to Carney, a local junk dealer. Francie is the one to deliver the junk because Carney prefers the girls and rewards them with an extra penny - known as the 'pinching penny' - if they don't flinch while he pinches their cheeks. Francie and Neeley share their earnings, except for the 'pinching penny' which she keeps. Following this, they head to Cheap Charlie's penny candy store where children trade pennies for the chance to win prizes. Francie never goes in, respecting the unspoken rule that it's a boys' store. Later, she buys candies from the five and dime and reflects on her surroundings, contemplating why Jewish and Irish women have so many children. When Francie's mother, Katie, comes home after a week of hard work, Francie is sent out to buy food. Katie is described as petite, beautiful, and lively, but it is also mentioned that Francie's father struggles with alcoholism. Back home, they lunch with coffee as a treat, which Katie believes Francie has the right to waste, believing it's crucial for the less privileged to have something to waste. Post meal, Francie is sent to buy bread from Losher's, a place selling old loaves to the poor. Waiting there, an old man's disfigured feet unsettle her, causing her anxiety to spike again when she later sees a baby's foot. Ignoring the boys' disapproval, Francie trails Neeley and his friends to a baseball game. Along the way, they heckle a Jewish boy, leaving him perplexed at their maturity. They continue to tease another boy selling pretzels, but his mother's stern shout scares them off. Finally, Francie returns to the library, waiting for the librarian's lunch break to end.

chapter 2

Francie finds beauty in the rundown library and has a goal to read all the books it houses, in alphabetical order. She's currently reading the 'B' authors. Every Saturday, she lets herself deviate from her order by asking the librarian for a suggested book. She admires the brown jug in the library, filled with different plants depending on the season. It currently holds nasturtiums, symbolizing summer. Francie aspires to have her own bowl filled with flowers and her own book collection. The librarian isn't fond of children and consistently recommends the same two books. "If I Were King" by McCarthy is her recommendation this time around. Francie borrows that and another book by an author with the last name Brown. She settles in to read on the fire escape with peppermints and ice water, relieved that the neighborhood boy who usually plays morbid games nearby is absent. Francie cherishes her reading time and yearns to possess her own book. From her perch on the fire escape, Francie watches her neighbors. Eventually, Frank arrives with Mr. Fraber's dental advertisement wagon, drawn by a horse named Bob. Frank is a popular figure in the neighborhood who takes good care of Bob. Flossie Gaddis, who lives below Francie's family, tries to flirt with Frank but he isn't interested. Francie empathizes with the rejected Flossie, comparing her unsuccessful attempts with her Aunt Evy's triumphs in capturing men's attention.

chapter 3

Francie's dad, Johnny Nolan returns home crooning "Molly Malone," his preferred tune. Francie tends to his apron as he has a gig that night where he'll sing and serve tables. He requests her to attach the Union label to his apron, expressing his belief in it, and that his wife Katie shouldn't resent the cost. Francie enjoys hearing him speak and recalls a trip to the Union Headquarters. She observed his popularity there but also overheard a discussion about his drinking problem. Despite this, Johnny was universally liked, being Irish and having a sweet voice. His wife wasn't embittered towards him and his kids "didn't know that they were supposed to be ashamed of him". In their apartment, Johnny chats about his unemployment and their growing family. His words evoke mixed emotions in Francie. She agrees with him that her mother is an excellent woman, but internally questions why she prefers him. As he discusses horse betting and potential trips, he refers to Francie as Prima Donna, a nickname inspired by her crying as a baby that reminded him of an opera singer. He then dispatches her to pick up a dicky and paper collar to pair with his tux. He is neat, well-dressed, resembling an Irish youngster, but not a man burdened with two impoverished children and a wife who cleans floors. As Francie accompanies him to the trolley, she admires how handsome he is.

chapter 4

Francie visits Flossie Gaddis to see her outfit for the upcoming dance. Flossie, who earns a living by flipping gloves right-side-out in a factory, supports her sickly mother and brother, Henny. Although Henny is critically ill with consumption, Francie can't see it. Mrs. Gaddis advises Francie to reassure Henny he's looking well, despite his pessimistic outlook on his health. Left alone, Henny succumbs to his bouts of coughing and crying. Flossie's weekly tasks revolve around her work in gloves, crafting her outfits, and taking care of Frank. Her wardrobe is a mix-and-match collection from her creations. Each costume includes a long sleeve to conceal a burn mark on her arm, the result of a childhood accident. Francie is fascinated by the abundance of her wardrobe, echoing the love that the less fortunate have for "huge quantities of things." As the chapter concludes, Francie envisions a grim sight in the closet—a skeleton peeping from the festive costumes, a symbol of Henny's impending doom.

chapter 5

Following a trip to the cinema, Katie Nolan returns with Aunt Sissy, who is much adored by Francie for her understanding nature towards young girls. Aunt Sissy is employed at a rubber factory, whose primary produce is condoms, discretely marketed as a toy manufacturer. Sissy's spouse works for a pulp magazine firm, enabling Francie access to reading materials, which she later sells for half the price. Francie discloses to her mother about an old man's unpleasant feet, however, her mother downplays this, suggesting that aging is inevitable and they should prepare for it. Afterwards, the mother-daughter duo strategize on how to best use their stale bread for the week, with Sunday's dinner being a special treat of fried meat. The narrative further mentions Francie's frequent purchase of a large Jewish pickle from a local store, which she calls a "'penny sheeny pickle'". Unaware that "sheeny" is derogatory, Francie inadvertently upsets the Jewish store owner every time.

chapter 6

Francie and Neeley embark on their task of purchasing the weekend's meat supplies, visiting both Hassler's and Werner's shops, as their mother, Katie Nolan, has specific preferences. Francie has been given meticulous instructions on how to ensure the meat's freshness, which annoys the butcher at Werner's. She adds vegetables to their shopping list for the soup. After dinner, Francie joins her friend Maudie Donavan for confession, where she is unnerved by Maudie's aunts' profession of making shrouds and Maudie's relatively lesser sins. She bids Maudie goodbye, promising to keep in touch. Francie returns home to find her Aunt Evy and Uncle Flittman visiting. Evy, who resembles her mother and has a humorous personality, is a favorite of Francie's. Uncle Flittman entertains them with his guitar playing, but later depicts himself as a failure, sharing a humiliating anecdote involving his horse, Drummer. He laments that Evy no longer loves him, but she evades his comments, suggesting it's time they left.

chapter 7

Twelve years prior in Brooklyn, Johnny Nolan and Katie Rommely first cross paths. At the time, Katie was employed at the Castle Braid factory, alongside her close friend, Hildy O'Dair, who was seeing Johnny. One evening, Johnny introduced a friend to Katie for a double date. Although she initially disliked Johnny's friend, Johnny's dancing skills grabbed her attention. Eventually, after a dance with him, she resolved to dedicate her life to him, despite the potential error in this decision. They got hitched on the first day of 1901, four months into their acquaintance. Thomas Rommely, Katie's austere father, bore an unforgiving grudge against her for her decision to marry. As the Rommely's were Austrian natives, Thomas only conversed in German; however, the girls were not permitted to use anything but English at home to keep away from his harshness. Katie's mother Mary Rommely, was a devout, superstitious Catholic. Her illiteracy led her to believe her husband's claim of being the devil. Mary's gentle, calming voice was inherited by her daughters and granddaughter Francie. Sissy, the eldest child of Thomas and Mary, missed out on school because Mary discovered too late about America's free education system. She was a passionate girl who married a fireman named Jim (whom she always referred to as John) at a young age. After delivering four stillborn babies, she blamed Jim, remarried without a divorce, and had four more stillborn babies. Despite her tragedies, she worked at a rubber factory, had multiple lovers, and married a third man named John who worked at a magazine company. Her love for children grew with every loss. Eliza, the second daughter, plain and passive, chose to become a nun and took the name Sister Ursula. She also developed facial hair. Evy, the youngest, married Willie Flittman at an early age and had three children. She strived for sophistication and desired musical talent for her offspring like their father. She had her daughter stop learning the violin when her instructor insisted she remove her shoes and socks during lessons. Evy had a special talent for imitation, particularly of her husband.

chapter 8

The previous section focused on the resilient Rommely women, while this segment introduces the somewhat feeble but gifted men of the Nolan family. Ruthie and Mickey Nolan, Irish immigrants, had four sons—Andy, Georgie, Frankie, and Johnny. The boys, who are all charming, impeccably dressed singing servers, all tragically pass away before hitting 35. Only Johnny has offspring. Andy suffers from an illness and passes away before wedding his beloved Francie Melaney, leaving behind a luxurious pillow purchased by his brothers. The remaining Nolan sons promise to look after their mother, however, within six months, Johnny marries Katie. The pillow becomes a gift to Katie and is later used in times of illness. Frankie perishes in a bizarre alcohol-related mishap, while Georgie dies at the young age of twenty-eight. Francie Nolan combines elements of both Nolan and Rommely characteristics, yet she also has unique qualities that she forms through her personal experiences and love for reading.

chapter 9

Johnny and Katie are newlyweds in Brooklyn, working night shifts as janitors in a school, and cherishing their private moments together. However, joy turns to anxiety when Katie becomes pregnant. When Katie goes into labor on a winter night, Johnny leaves in a panic to seek solace with his family. During his absence, he misses both his daughter's birth and his work shift. Their daughter, Francie, is born with a caul, an omen of greatness. Johnny returns to Katie with gifts of avocados but is overcome with fear and sorrow. He hides the fact that his absence cost him his job. Seeing Johnny's distress, Katie feels deep sympathy. The couple names their daughter Francie, after the fiancée of Johnny's brother Andy. Katie receives wisdom from Mary Rommely, who advises her to read daily to Francie from Shakespeare and the Protestant Bible. She also advises Katie to nurture Francie's imagination and to save money for future land ownership, a strategy she believes will ensure a better life for future generations. Sissy, Katie's sister, visits bearing food and gifts. She initiates the recommended savings bank for Katie, buys a collection of Shakespeare's works from the library, and purloins a Protestant Bible from the hotel where she's in liaison with her current beau.

chapter 10

Francie Nolan begins her life as a frail and sickly infant. Her mother, Katie Nolan, is told by a deceitful midwife that a curse has caused her breastfeeding ability to cease when Francie is only three months old. However, Sissy informs Katie that she's actually expecting again. This news distresses Johnny even more, marking the start of his prolonged decline. The midwife offers Katie an abortion, but she declines. Despite her neighbors' remarks about Francie's feeble health, Katie remains steadfast, likening Francie to the resilient Tree of Heaven. Upon Neeley's birth, Katie discovers her stronger affection for him over Francie, causing her to harden. This change also toughens Francie. The narrator notes that the couple's fate was sealed from the start due to their poverty and the burden of two children. The distinguishing factor is Johnny's acceptance of his destiny, whereas Katie resists it.

chapter 11

On his twenty-first birthday, Johnny spends three days in an alcohol-induced stupor. His wife, Katie, confines him in their bedroom but is eventually moved by his anguished pleas to call for Sissy's help. Sissy manages to soothe Johnny by holding him like a child and allowing him small amounts of whiskey throughout the night. The author notes that Sissy's major shortcomings are her excessive affection and maternal instincts, often extending her love and care to others without expecting anything in return. After spending the night with Johnny, Sissy assures Katie that there's nothing romantic between them and advises her against nagging Johnny. She further enlightens Katie that everyone has a flaw, and Johnny's is his drinking problem, which Katie needs to accept. Katie considers Sissy's kindness towards everyone, despite society's judgement of her loose lifestyle.

chapter 12

After Johnny's alcohol-fueled rampage, Katie decides to move the family. She locates a rent-free house in exchange for her cleaning services. The family's few possessions are transported to the new home, with Katie using a dollar from their savings to pay the transporter. She secures their savings in her new closet. Katie's mother, Mary Rommely, blesses their new home with holy water, which causes a humorous mishap when Francie spills it. Their new place is located on Lorimer Street, Brooklyn. The narrative examines the early marital life of Katie and Johnny, portraying their individual responses to hardships. Katie stops relying on Johnny for income after Neeley's birth and becomes increasingly resilient. Johnny, however, retreats from reality, becoming less capable of providing and working sporadically as a singing waiter. Johnny's character doesn't evolve significantly throughout the storyline. His early death is hinted at by the narrator, predicting he won't survive past 35, like his brothers. Sissy and Katie's discussion in an earlier chapter reinforces Johnny's unchanging nature, emphasizing his inevitable drinking habits. Regardless of Katie's displeasure with Johnny's drinking, she never anticipates any change in him. Neeley's birth merely accentuates Johnny's inherent weaknesses. Ultimately, both Katie and Johnny seem to become more ingrained in their respective traits.

chapter 13

The Nolans are content in their new home, but over time Katie begins to shoulder more of the caretaking duties than Johnny. She persists in reading a page of the Bible and Shakespeare each night, even though the content confuses her and her children. Francie struggles to form friendships, possibly due to her unique vocabulary sourced from Shakespeare and the Bible. Yet, she revels in her neighborhood street life. The narrator illustrates the musical children's games that fill the Brooklyn streets. Francie particularly enjoys a game named Potsy, where a tin can serves as a prop for hopscotch, and is fond of the street musicians, especially the monkey-toting organ grinder. However, Katie warns Francie about the dangers of these musicians, claiming they are Sicilian child kidnappers, and disapproves of Francie's aspiration to one day become an organ grinder with a monkey. Despite the music and dancing that enlivens their neighborhood, the narrator notes an underlying sadness, seen in the young children forced to fend for themselves and the adults unable to improve their lot in life.

chapter 14

Due to a couple of incidents caused by Sissy, the Nolans are forced to leave their Lorimer Street home. Sissy first retrieves a shiny tricycle for Francie and Neeley to ride on, inciting the wrath of a local mother who claims it as her child's. Despite her accusations, a captivated policeman lets Sissy off the hook, generating neighborhood gossip. In a later incident, Sissy visits the children, bringing along a cigar box and tissue paper for an afternoon of crafting. Upon her departure, she distracts the kids with a box she claims is filled with cigarettes. The children's curiosity leads them to discover condoms inside, which they innocently treat as balloons, causing further embarrassment for the family. Katie and Evy, scandalized by these incidents, decide to ban Sissy from their homes. The Nolans then relocate to a new apartment on Grand Street in Williamsburg, where they occupy the top floor. Katie haggles with the movers, paying them $2 from the $8 savings in their tin-can bank. Meanwhile, Johnny and Francie bond on the roof. Enamored by the vista of bridges and Manhattan, Francie gets comfort from Johnny after witnessing a disturbing scene involving a boy trapping a pigeon. Johnny muses how he's been married for seven years and anticipates this will be their final residence.

chapter 15

The Nolan family moves into a modest apartment, consisting of four rooms. Francie appreciates the little things, such as the view from the kitchen window of a Tree of Heaven in the small concrete yard. The bathtub, made from two washtubs, is uncomfortable, and the bedrooms open onto a grimy airshaft, which makes Francie think of Purgatory. She cherishes the front room, especially after decorating it. She's particularly fond of the piano left by the previous tenant, even though Johnny can only play a few chords. His music moves her to tears. They also find a conch shell, which they name "Tootsy," and it reminds Francie of the first time she saw the ocean. Across the yard is the school where Francie notices a girl clapping blackboard erasers. The girl approaches Francie, allowing her to touch the erasers before spitefully spitting in her face. This event tarnishes Francie's previous fascination with blackboard erasers.

chapter 16

City kids, like the narrator, understand the significance of local stores in their neighborhood. In Williamsburg, where she resides, there's an array of stores surrounding their apartment. For her, the pawnshop is most fascinating, drawn to the golden balls hung up high. There are several others like the bakery, Gollender's Paint Shop, and an intriguing shop owned by a cigar maker who shuns modern technology, crafting cigars under the glow of a candle. Another shop exclusively retails tea, coffee, and spices, equipped with a large grinder. However, the Nolans prefer grinding their coffee at home. The tea shop's scales are of particular interest to Francie. There's also a laundry shop, owned by a Chinese man who cleans Johnny's shirts. Francie is intrigued by his self-heating iron, considering it a Chinese secret, and briefly muses on being Chinese herself.

chapter 17

Katie strikes a deal with Miss Lizzie Tynmore, their neighbor, trading her housecleaning service for piano lessons. Her children, sitting in during the session, are told to observe quietly. Francie is captivated by Miss Tynmore's hat, adorned with a red bird and hat pins, as well as the rhythmic metronome. At the end of the lesson, Miss Tynmore acknowledges the clever way Katie has all her children learn, yet she doesn't object. When Miss Tynmore stays behind, Katie realizes she expects to be served tea. Having none, Katie offers coffee and a sweet roll instead. The narrator reveals that Miss Tynmore relies on the tea served after her lessons due to her limited funds for food. Meanwhile, Miss Tynmore probes Francie about her thoughts during her lengthy curb-sitting sessions. Upon learning Francie entertains herself by making up stories, Miss Tynmore asserts that Francie will become a writer. Attempting to outdo Katie, Johnny proposes to barter his handyman skills for voice lessons for Francie from Miss Tynmore's sister. His attempt to fix a broken sash cord results in a shattered window, forcing Katie to work extra hours with the Tynmore sisters to compensate for the damage.

chapter 18

Francie is excited about starting school but must first get vaccinated - a daunting prospect for the uneducated and immigrant families in Brooklyn. Katie doesn't accompany her children, Francie and Neeley, to the vaccination process due to her own fear. Francie attempts to comfort the scared Neeley by making mud pies, which results in them being covered in dirt when they arrive for their vaccinations. The doctor and nurse make derogatory remarks about the hygiene of poorer families, causing Francie to feel deeply embarrassed. She had hoped that the nurse, being from the same background, would stand up for her, but she doesn't. The narrator reflects that those who escape poverty often either forget about their backgrounds or retain sympathy for those left behind - this nurse chose to forget. Francie, deeply upset, requests the doctor not to make the same remarks to Neeley. The doctor is surprised by her understanding of his comments. Francie's arm gets infected after the vaccination and she's terrified of scratching it. One night, unable to sleep due to fear of dying, her father Johnny soothes her fears and cleans her arm. He bandages it with his own shirt. That night, Johnny rejects Katie's intimacy and stays awake in the dark.

chapter 19

Francie's initial school experiences disappoint her expectations. On her first day, she arrives home with a bloodied nose, and she soon realizes that her teacher, Miss Briggs, favors the affluent students, relegating the less fortunate to the back. Instead of uniting against this bias, the disadvantaged kids end up squabbling amongst themselves. The school environment is harsh and overcrowded, hosting triple the number of students it was designed for. The staff is mostly cruel, as the kindlier teachers are either married off or driven away by their harsher colleagues. During breaks, bathroom access is controlled by bullies, and teachers deny requests for bathroom breaks during class time. As a result, students either learn to suppress their needs or become chronic pants-wetters. Over time, despite being ostracized from the Nolan family, Sissy's longing to see Francie and Neeley compels her to visit the schoolyard. One such day, she takes Francie for a soda, during which Francie confesses, with embarrassment, that she has wet her pants. Sissy reassures her and takes it upon herself to ensure Francie is allowed bathroom breaks, threatening the teacher the next day, under the guise of being Francie's mother, with a husband who is a policeman. She fabricates a health condition for Francie, claiming that she has a kidney infection that could be fatal. From then on, Francie is allowed to use the bathroom when needed. Despite her resolve to keep Sissy at a distance, Katie softens her stance when she learns of Sissy's latest stillbirth. Overwhelmed with guilt, she decides to let Sissy back into their home.

chapter 20

In the event of a lice outbreak at school, the affected kids become targets of ridicule from classmates. Katie, not one for vermin or illness, ensures Francie's hair is regularly scrubbed and treated with kerosene daily, resulting in an unpleasant odor that keeps other children at bay. Amidst a mumps epidemic, Katie employs garlic as a preventative measure for her children. Francie and Neeley evade both sickness and lice. Francie remains unaffected by her classmates' shunning, as solitude is nothing new to her.

chapter 21

Despite the harsh environment, Francie relishes her school experience, mostly due to two weekly visiting instructors: Mr. Morton, the music mentor, and Miss Bernstone, who guides them in art. The faculty attire is more refined on days Mr. Morton visits. He's an exuberant fellow, making learning music both enjoyable and straightforward. Teachers tend to envy Miss Bernstone for her stunning looks and the fact she isn't always solitary. These two instructors have a particular affection for the underprivileged, uncared-for kids over the more fortunate ones. According to the narrator, if all educators were like these two, school would have been a paradise.

chapter 22

Francie acquires the skill to read, transforming mere sounds into visible words on a page. She pledges to dedicate herself to reading a book every day for the rest of her life. Furthermore, she brings a sense of fun to arithmetic by envisioning each number as a relative in a family. The numbers which are simpler to calculate become the pleasant relatives. When a number involves multiple digits, she visualizes these respective family members interacting. Through doing this, Francie personifies arithmetic.

chapter 23

Francie ventures into a charming neighborhood free of tenements during a leisurely autumn walk. She discovers an old brick school accompanied by a field, immediately desiring to attend there. She patiently waits for her father's return to discuss this with him and he pledges to visit the school with her the next day. This new neighborhood houses descendants of families that have been in America for five to six generations, contrasting Francie's neighborhood where most residents cannot claim U.S. birthright. During a classroom discussion about ancestry, Francie surprises everyone by being the only student with parents not hailing from foreign lands.

chapter 24

Francie uses holidays to mark time, with Independence Day being her favorite. She also enjoys Election Day in Brooklyn, notable for the Oyster House, a historic political hub where children sing a song about a group called "Tammany," synonymous with the city's political scene. Her parents, Johnny and Katie, often disagree about politics. Johnny is a Democrat, while Katie is politically indifferent but critical of the party. She believes women will oust corrupt politicians when they get the right to vote. Johnny insists she'll vote like him when the time comes. The Mattie Mahoney Association, a Democratic entity, organizes outings aimed at attracting future voters, including women and children. At one such outing, Francie learns about gambling, losing a hotdog and ride tickets in a marble game. Sergeant McShane, noticing her distress, gives her extras, and also notices Katie's beauty. Katie reciprocates the attention, hiding her work-worn hands with gloves. We learn that McShane married a troubled pregnant woman out of kindness, who is now in poor health after fourteen pregnancies. Katie expresses her wish for the woman's death so McShane can remarry, shocking Johnny with her frankness. While Mattie Mahoney's name and face are omnipresent, Francie never meets the man himself. Even though election celebrations usually wrap up in November, Katie maintains the tradition of attending the Ladies' Day at the Democratic Headquarters every January.

chapter 25

The narrator describes Johnny as sentimental and jovial when he's sober, while introspective when he's drunk. After his bouts of drinking, he's filled with a desire to be a better father. He shares Mary Rommely's aspiration for his kids to obtain a better education than he did. At times, he takes them to Bushwick Avenue, an old Brooklyn boulevard, to impart them with lessons in civics, geography, and sociology. In one such instance, he and Francie discuss the carriages, with Johnny explaining that anyone in America can ride in one, provided they possess the necessary funds. Francie is confused about why it's considered a free country when you need to pay. Johnny justifies this by stating it's to avoid Socialism. Before heading back, he takes Francie to see the mayor's house. Francie recalls another occasion on the same avenue, where a parade took place with numerous roses to honor Dr. Cook, a fellow Brooklynite who had journeyed to the North Pole and planted the American flag there.

chapter 26

The narrative continues to move with the rhythm of holidays, focusing next on Thanksgiving in Brooklyn. During this time, children put on costumes and request treats from local stores, especially those reliant on their patronage. Francie dons a Chinaman's mask for this particular Thanksgiving. Following a school incident, Francie starts writing. A classmate brings a mini pumpkin pie to celebrate the holiday. The teacher asks who will deliver it to a needy family, to which Francie volunteers. However, Francie eats the pie herself, a fact that becomes evident when she can't control her excitement while narrating the story next day. Her teacher, instead of punishing her, commends her for "having an imagination" and clarifies the boundary between storytelling and lying. Katie, Francie's mother, has been irritated by Francie's tall tales, so now, Francie recounts events as they are but reserves her imagination for her writings.

chapter 27

Brooklyn kids revel in the festive joy of Christmas. On a particular year, Francie and her brother Neeley join in the annual tree tradition. The local tree seller hands out trees on the eve of Christmas, which recipients must catch and remain upright. The biggest trees are thrown first, and Francie boldly proclaims their intention to catch one. The tree seller hesitates before throwing, but ultimately, the siblings successfully catch and take home a massive ten-foot tree. From this experience, their mother, Katie, becomes more determined to ensure their academic progress and find a means to elevate them from their harsh existence. On the joyous day of Christmas, the family exchanges modest gifts. Francie is disheartened when Katie shows more excitement for Neeley's gift. The narrative shares the tale of Francie's second lie, occurring at a Christmas charity function for underprivileged children. A wealthy girl, Mary, is giving a doll away, hoping it will be received by a needy child also named Mary. The impoverished Marys, too dignified to admit their identity, remain silent. Francie, not wanting the doll to go unclaimed, falsely states her name as Mary. Later, she discovers that Mary Frances Nolan is her full name, easing her guilt.

chapter 28

As Francie ages, time seems to accelerate. The distant notion of Henny's death suddenly becomes a reality, a stark reminder of her maturing perspective. Growing up also brings a fading enthusiasm for once treasured daily joys. She starts to understand people's views of her father, and the playful diversion her mother created to distract them from hunger loses its charm. She becomes critical of contrived narratives in theater. This awakening nudges her to complete a play with an unsatisfactory conclusion, leading her to decide that she will become a playwright.

chapter 29

On a particular day, Johnny decides his offspring need to experience the sea, leading them, along with neighbourhood toddler Little Tilly, to a fishing expedition. Little Tilly, younger sibling to Gussie, is well-known locally for his refusal to wean from his mother's breast, a habit she frightfully ended by painting her breast with a terrifying mock-face. Upon reaching the beach, Johnny indulges in several drinks before attempting to board the boat, with his inebriation causing him to fall into the water, much to his children's amusement, as he soaks his tuxedo. When the foursome eventually begin fishing, they fail to catch anything. Moreover, they end up with severe sunburns and upset stomachs from a heavy midday meal. Little Tilly also takes a tumble into the water during their return. The journey home is marred by all the children throwing up. The fish Johnny purchases have spoiled, and he feels a sense of disappointment, as the sea was not what he had pictured from the songs he sings.

chapter 30

Francie, at the age of thirteen, gets her composition published in the school magazine, marking her debut in print. On her return from purchasing the magazine, she spots Joanna, a neighborhood girl known for her illegitimate child, on the street with her baby. Despite the baby's attractiveness and Joanna's good care, Francie refrains from returning Joanna's smile, influenced by societal norms. Joanna finds herself surrounded by local gossips who eventually resort to verbal abuse and physical harm. A stone thrown at her injures the baby and forces Joanna to seek refuge indoors. Feeling sympathetic, Francie leaves her precious magazine in Joanna's baby carriage as a present. Afterwards, Francie gets overwhelmed and retreats to the basement, where she realizes she's begun menstruating. She is advised by Katie to "remember Joanna," hinting at her newfound potential for motherhood. This prompts Francie to question the harshness women display towards each other.

chapter 31

Drummer, the horse owned by Uncle Willie Flittman, despises his master, often urinating on him while being bathed. Drummer, however, adores Aunt Evy, Willie's wife and Katie's sister. Drummer once knocked Willie out by kicking him in the head. With Willie hospitalized, Evy took it upon herself to learn driving the horse and replaced Willie on his milk delivery route. This made her the first woman on the route, and she was well-liked by the men. She pampered Drummer with various treats. Upon Willie's return, he was assigned a new horse, while Drummer was handed over to a effeminate young man. Nevertheless, Drummer was required to see Evy daily.

chapter 32

Francie began a diary when she turned thirteen in December. Almost a year on, she is immersed in reading it. The diary entries form the bulk of the chapter. Papa being "sick", Katie's euphemism for his drunkenness, dominates most entries. Other entries discuss the "North Pole" game, a playful coping mechanism the Nolans employ when food is scarce, pretending they're Arctic explorers awaiting rescue. The diary also discloses that Flossie Gaddis and Frank are engaged and Francie is beginning to question about sex.

chapter 33

Francie's community lacks the vocabulary to properly educate their children about sex, including Katie's mother. However, Katie is committed to providing the best answers she can to Francie's queries. The brutal murder of a young girl triggers the adults to talk about sexual violence with their children. McShane, the investigator, arrests the victim's brother in an attempt to lure the real murderer into a false sense of security, planning to catch him off guard. Concerned for Francie's safety, Johnny borrows a gun from his friend Burt, a night watchman whom Johnny occasionally fills in for. The community gradually regains a sense of security, but Katie remains on high alert. She ensures Francie is home from school on time after her house cleaning job. One day, Francie is attacked upon opening her apartment door. Katie retrieves the gun and intervenes, shooting the attacker in the stomach before he could harm Francie further. Katie then drags Francie upstairs and disposes of the gun in the washbasin. Soon, the police arrive and discover the unregistered gun, which results in a fine for Johnny. They confirm that Katie's shot didn't kill the assailant but anticipate his likely execution. A news reporter inaccurately reports the incident, inadvertently shielding Katie from public scrutiny. McShane, impressed by Katie's bravery, offers her a reward, which she declines. He secretly harbors feelings for her and considers the possibility of marrying her someday.

chapter 34

Sissy is desperate to adopt a baby after losing all her own, but her husband is against adopting another man's child. Unbeknownst to him, Sissy finds an illegitimately pregnant Sicilian girl, Lucia, who is being starved and locked away by her father. With the father absent, Sissy intervenes, promising to take the baby into her care. She also takes care of Lucia and becomes friendly with the family, while never encountering the father. Sissy's husband, John, is perplexed and distressed when Sissy repeatedly insists she's pregnant despite not showing signs. However, when she introduces a baby girl to him, she manages to appease him with flattery. Katie, Johnny, and Francie are the only ones aware of the truth. Johnny starts to fear that Katie might have misled him. In response, Katie presents their children to Johnny one night to assure him of their parenthood. Recognizing their resemblance to him, Johnny is convinced. After Katie whispers something to him privately, he exits their home in a thoughtful melancholy.

chapter 35

At the age of fourteen, Francie and Neeley eagerly wait for Christmas, reminiscing about past celebrations. Recently, Johnny has been behaving as if intoxicated, oddly without any alcohol. Funds are limited, resulting in them having oatmeal for their evening meal. Johnny returns home in a distraught and irrational state, tearfully revealing his expulsion from the Waiters' Union. He weeps uncontrollably on the kitchen table until Katie soothes him and he finally drifts off to sleep.

chapter 36

Johnny passes away three days after his collapse on the street, as the opening line of the chapter reveals. McShane, who had brought him to the hospital, escorts Katie there. Following Johnny's death, Katie instructs her children not to weep for him. A dishonest undertaker tries to exploit Katie, charging her $175 out of her $200 insurance money. At the hospital, Katie convinces the doctor and a priest omit alcoholism as the cause of death on Johnny's death certificate, leaving only pneumonia. Afterward, she purchases mourning attire for herself and her children. The same undertaker returns, demanding additional funds for Johnny's burial plot or the "deed". Recognizing she is being swindled, Katie drains her savings from the tin-can bank without nailing it back. She's now a landowner, albeit a small plot. Floral tributes pour in, a testament to Johnny's popularity. During the funeral, Katie coaches Francie and Neeley to view Johnny's body to dispel rumors of his failings as a father. Both children, especially Francie, uphold that Johnny was a good father. Hildy O'Dair, Johnny's ex-girlfriend, is inconsolably grieving, while Katie remains tearless. She finds solace in Hildy's tears for Johnny as she can't shed any. After the funeral, Katie sends Francie to retrieve Johnny's shaving mug from the barber shop as a keepsake. Once home, Katie breaks down in tears, with Sissy comforting her to prevent distress to her unborn child.

chapter 37

Following the burial, Katie urges her kids to go for a stroll. Upon spotting a "Sweet Singer" advert, the children express their sorrow openly for the first time. Francie voices her resentment towards God, unsettling Neeley, and declares her lost faith. Back home, Katie has prepared hot chocolate for them and, like her kids, she's been shedding tears. As they delve into the Christmas tale that night, Katie ponders whether Johnny quit alcohol to be a better man for their unborn child. In a rare show of affection, she kisses her kids, assuring them that she will be both their mother and father henceforth.

chapter 38

Katie, expecting her baby in May, is too unwell to maintain her usual workload. Struggling financially, she is advised by a family friend and insurance agent to cash out her children's policies to get some money. Her sisters suggest that Francie should start working, but Katie is keen on Francie completing her education. She calls upon God, the Virgin Mary, and lastly Johnny for help but receives no reply. Meanwhile, McGarrity, proprietor of Johnny's usual pub, misses Johnny deeply. He would often live out his dreams through Johnny, desiring a family like his and imagining Johnny's family as his own. His wife Mae, a pub woman, isn't one for meaningful conversations. Hoping to recreate the conversations he had with Johnny, McGarrity offers Francie and Neeley after-school employment. Although the children work diligently, they don't engage with him as he'd hoped. McGarrity and Katie have a long conversation about the Johnny they both loved. Katie and Francie pay a visit to Mary Rommely, who now resides with Sissy. Sissy has put on weight and no longer uses perfume. On their way back, Francie experiences her first laughter since Johnny's death.

chapter 39

After their confirmation, Francie adopts her mother's name, and endeavors to write a novel to demonstrate her ability to write about attractive subjects to her teacher. Following Johnny's death, her compositions about grim topics led to low grades. Miss Garnder acknowledges Francie's writing talents but insists that she should focus on positive, embellished narratives. She deems topics like poverty and alcoholism as uninteresting and distasteful, eventually declining Francie's play for the graduation event. She also advises Francie to destroy her undesirable compositions. In her novel, Francie weaves a tale about a wealthy girl living in an opulent house and commanding her chefs. She fantasizes about Miss Garnder showering praises on her novel. However, as she continues writing, Francie realizes that her top-rated compositions and her novel share a common flaw: they are based on subjects she lacks any knowledge about. As a result, she decides to burn them all, retaining only those compositions that garnered her low grades.

chapter 40

Francie looks after Katie during her last few hours before childbirth. On the evening Katie goes into labor, Francie sends Neeley to get Evy, explaining to Katie that Neeley is better equipped to comfort her. Katie speaks about her belief that men shouldn't be present at births, and it's clear she's trying to make sense of Johnny's absence. She confesses needing Francie more than Neeley. Overwhelmed by guilt for never reading Francie's writings, Katie asks Francie to recite some Shakespeare to help her relax. Upon arrival, Evy and Sissy ask Francie to leave the room, leaving her feeling neglected. They choose not to call a midwife. Just as the baby is about to arrive, they send Francie on an errand for food to spare her the distressing scene of childbirth. Katie's screams reverberate throughout the neighborhood, causing empathetic pain among the women. Before Francie, Katie records the arrival of their new family member, Annie Laurie (named after a song Johnny loved), in the family Bible.

chapter 41

McGarrity decides to keep Francie and Neeley on his staff even after the recent birth, diverging from his original plans of releasing them. His bar has become a hub of activity with the world undergoing a transformation. The passage captures fragments of discussions happening at the "poor man's club," the neighborhood tavern. Subjects such as the commencement of prohibition, the potential for women's suffrage, President Wilson's stance on war, the people's willingness to fight if war breaks out, and the advent of modern technology are all topics of discussion.

chapter 42

Laurie's birth coincides with the graduation night. As Francie has chosen a distant school, Katie attends Neeley's graduation, leaving Francie a bit disappointed. However, Francie is relieved when her Aunt Sissy attends with her. Not expecting flowers due to their financial conditions, Francie is surprised to find two dozen red roses with a note from her deceased father at her desk, arranged by Sissy. Francie's peers bid her farewell with kindness, and she parts ways with Miss Garnder, feeling sympathy rather than resentment. Back home, Katie commends Neeley's grades before turning her attention to Francie's average score in English. But Sissy intervenes, and the family - Katie, Francie, Neeley and Evy - head out for an ice cream treat. As they indulge, Katie daydreams about her children's future education and considers her feelings for Sergeant McShane. Demonstrating prosperity, Katie leaves a generous tip. In the aftermath of Johnny's death, Katie regrets not paying more attention to Francie's writings, especially realizing her talent during her labor. However, Francie has burned her compositions, particularly those written post Johnny's demise, creating a missed opportunity for Katie to understand Francie's grief.

chapter 43

Francie starts a job at a flower factory where she assembles tissue paper blossoms. Despite initial mockery from her co-workers, she eventually earns their admiration by joking with the stern utility boy. Following this, Francie and her brother Neeley submit their weekly earnings in exchange for fresh bills they plan to give to their mother, Katie. Upon receiving the money at the bank, the clerk nostalgically recalls his first paycheck and the tears it brought to his mother's eyes. Katie's reaction is similar; she withdraws to the bedroom, and Francie understands she is moved to tears. Francie then proposes to Neeley the idea of starting a covert tin-can bank.

chapter 44

Upon losing her factory job, Francie secures a position as a file clerk in Manhattan, dressing more maturely to appear sixteen. Her earlier fascination with the Williamsburg Bridge lessens. She then gains employment at a clippings bureau as a reader, outperforming her colleagues but earning the least. Francie becomes disillusioned with the city, the bridge, and the architectural structures, apprehensive about her increasing cynicism. An unpleasant encounter on the El Train involving a man groping her repulses both Francie and Katie, despite Sissy finding it exciting. Francie's boss eventually offers her the prestigious city reader position, promising a weekly salary of $20. Francie doesn't disclose her salary increase to Katie, fearing it would deter her from supporting Francie's return to high school. Independently, Katie determines that Neeley, not Francie, will resume schooling even though Neeley is unwilling and Francie is passionate. Katie believes that if Francie truly wishes to study, she will find a way. This resolution leads to a heated argument among the trio, particularly Francie and Katie. Francie observes Katie clumsily handling a broken cup, drawing a metaphorical comparison to their family, once robust and now fractured.

chapter 45

The Nolans are financially stable during Christmas time, enabling them to purchase gifts. They unite to buy a new hat for their mother and a sweater suit for Laurie. Francie and Neeley also exchange presents - shoe accessories for Neeley and undergarments for Francie. Additionally, they acquire a small, living tree which they plan to place on the fire escape after the holiday. According to Katie, Francie and Neeley are expected to gather horse dung for the tree, but Francie claims they can afford to pay for such services. Francie realizes her memories of her father, Johnny, are becoming more affectionate and less painful. On Christmas morning at church, she takes pride in her grandfather's altar carvings and mentally reaffirms her Catholic faith. They all pray for Johnny's soul.

chapter 46

As the New Year ushers in, Francie anticipates 1917 to be a year of significant occurrences. The neighborhood's Germans override Auld Lang Syne with their own song during the stroke of midnight, which is then mocked by the Irish. Within the confines of the Nolan home, Katie hands over a drink to Neeley and Francie with a sense of apprehension, unsure if they'll succumb to Johnny's affliction. She avoids pushing them towards or against drinking, as she fears it might spark their rebellious nature. Both Neeley and Francie ascend to the roof; Neeley stays sober as he despises throwing up, while Francie realizes she can relish life without alcohol. As Neeley begins to sing, Francie is reminded of her father and sees Brooklyn as some sort of enchanting city.

chapter 47

Post-Christmas, life returns to normalcy. Neeley entertains at a local ice cream shop playing piano and Francie misses companionship. Sissy's first husband, a firefighter, dies, making news because Sissy is still his lawful wife. This causes turmoil for Sissy's current husband, John, who asserts himself, insisting on being called by his real name, Steve. He then demands Sissy to divorce her second husband and remarry him. Fortunately, her second husband had already secured a legal divorce. Sissy and Steve have a church wedding - the only type Sissy respects, and Steve finally feels content and at ease. They subsequently share about their adopted child, who Sissy got from Lucia, a woman Steve had pointed out. Lucia was reportedly involved with a married man. Interestingly, the baby resembles Steve. Sissy also discovers she's expecting another child.

chapter 48

On April 6, 1917, the United States joins World War I. In her workspace, Francie sees this event as a future memory. She collects a newspaper headline, a poem, a strand of hair, and fingerprints, placing them in an envelope as a keepsake. Suddenly, a key client of Francie's firm is exposed as a German agent. The business downsizes before shutting down completely. Francie secures fresh employment as a night-time teletypist. The war's inflation and Francie's lowered salary cause Katie to fret over finances. Francie tells her mother high school isn't for her; her daily newspaper readings have taught her so much that she feels she wouldn't fit in or learn anything there. Instead, she enrolls in three summer school classes, using her college fund with Katie's approval. The lack of education in her family hits her hard, yet she's now in college.

chapter 49

Francie has an easy time with chemistry and Restoration drama classes but struggles with French. She forms a friendship with Ben Blake, a high school senior who shares helpful tips on purchasing books. Ben, who leads his class and works at a law firm, aspires to study law in a Midwestern college. He assists Francie in preparing for her daunting French final by tutoring her in a vacant theater. Francie not only passes her French class, but also develops a deep affection for the theater and for Ben. Despite her feelings for him, she understands that Ben is occupied with caring for his mother and can't entertain a romantic relationship. Francie's job shifts to the daytime, leaving her to spend her evenings alone, reflecting on her unreciprocated love for Ben.

chapter 50

Katie and Evy avoid discussing Sissy's impending childbirth, worried about another stillbirth. However, Sissy surprises them by saying she'll have her baby in a hospital, under the care of a Jewish doctor, something unheard of in the Rommely family. When Sissy's baby is born, it seems lifeless until a doctor, Dr. Aaron Arronstein, administers oxygen and the baby revives. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Sissy names her baby Stepen Aaron, after the doctor and her husband, Steve. Uncle Willie Flittman's attempt to join the army fails, leading him to quit his job and lose hope. He tries to reinvent himself as a one-man band. Despite Steve securing a position for him in a munitions factory, Willie still views himself as a disappointment.

chapter 51

A compilation of minor episodes and exchanges ensues. Francie signs up for dance and sewing lessons and studies for her college entrance test. Sissy provides "endowment" insurance for her children while Evy and Willie relocate near Queens due to Willie's drumming. Mary Rommely begins her journey towards the end of her life. "Sauerkraut" becomes "Liberty Cabbage." Neeley is rumored to have a wild girlfriend and reveals to Francie that he had heard her explicit conversation with Katie long ago. Katie unearths cigarettes in Francie's bag but refrains from scolding her. The Nolans, as per Katie's decision, provide food to the impoverished Tynmore sisters for Christmas. Francie chooses to send Ben a Christmas card. Francie and Neeley decide on café au lait to ring in the New Year, rejecting brandy. Katie has a flashback of Johnny adding butter to his coffee when they were out of milk.

chapter 52

Anita, a friend of Francie, requests assistance. Anita's desire is for Francie to distract her beau's companion, allowing her and her beau to have privacy. Captivated by the companion's attractive smile, Francie agrees. Anita and her beau depart, leaving Francie in the company of Lee Rynor. They enjoy chop suey and Lee requests Francie pretends to be his "best girl" for the evening, despite his current engagement. They engage in lengthy conversation, and he ends the evening with a kiss. Anticipating Lee's presence after work the following day, Francie spends the day with him, eating and dancing. Like her mother Katie felt about Johnny, Francie contemplates sacrificing everything to be with Lee. The song "Till We Meet Again" becomes a poignant reminder of Lee for Francie. The following morning sees Lee depart to visit his mother before joining the war in France. He declares his love for Francie and his intention to break off his engagement. He then suggests they spend the night together, voicing his fear of not seeing her again. Francie declines, but commits to expressing her feelings in a letter. She returns home and pours her love for him onto paper.

chapter 53

After some anticipation, Francie finally receives a note two days later - but it's from Lee's new spouse, not Lee himself. They had wed within those scant 48 hours. The new bride expresses gratitude for Francie's company while Lee was in New York, and forwards his apology for his deceit: feigning affection for Francie. Crushing news for Francie, she turns to her mother, Katie, in distress. Katie is hit with the harsh reality that she can no longer shield her daughter from life's pains. Francie then asks her mother whether she should have been intimate with Lee, leading Katie to share two differing perspectives. From a maternal point of view, she asserts that Francie shouldn't have risked her future by being with Lee, a man she barely knew. From a female perspective, Katie opines that it could have been a "beautiful thing", as such passionate love is rare. This sends Francie into a weeping fit, and she contemplates reaching out to Ben Blake but ultimately decides against it.

chapter 54

Sergeant McShane, now a widower, drops by the Nolan residence. He finds the Nolan kids notably healthy, contrasting with his own fourteen children who were mostly ill and didn't survive. He proposes to Katie in front of her children, citing not his status or affluence, but his own worthiness as a "good man". Katie accepts his proposal. He requests to adopt Laurie so she may bear his surname, a notion that is accepted by all. As the day ends, Francie and Neeley tuck Laurie in, contemplating her future of comfort, but devoid of the adventures they once had.

chapter 55

As Francie departs her teletyping role, she resists showing emotions, mirroring her mother's behavior. In the midst of this, they suffer additional losses - the death of Mary Rommely and Willie Flittman abandoning his family. Willie's factory job is taken up by Evy. Francie's contemplation of her life's sorrows leads her to question whether she's living in a dream. Despite the grief, Francie's life takes a positive turn. She's qualified for college, thanks to Ben's assistance, and is heading to University of Michigan in Ann Arbor - a decision made by Ben. She has an unwavering sense of belonging to Brooklyn. Ben has presented Francie with a pledge ring, a testament to his steady and compassionate nature, unlike Lee. However, Francie's thoughts drift back to Lee. The office girls play "Till We Meet Again," their dance song, as Francie exits. Yet, Ben's presence after work brings her joy.

chapter 56

The Nolans pack up their apartment on a Saturday in September, in preparation for Katie's wedding to Mr. McShane the following day. Mr. McShane has gifted Katie $1000 for their wedding, and she uses $200 of it to write a check for Evy, replacing the money Evy should have received from Uncle Willie's insurance. On that same Saturday, Francie visits Cheap Charlie's, a place she used to frequent as a child. She pays fifty cents for a doll and instructs Charlie to let a child win it, exposing Charlie's con of always promising a nice toy that children would never get. Francie takes her last tour of her familiar places in the old neighborhood, including her school, McGarrity's saloon which has changed hands, and the library. The usually indifferent librarian looks up at Francie for the first time, but fails to notice the brown bowl with flowers. Francie is certain she won't return to this place. As Francie packs, she comes across some of her old writings and considers the possibility of resuming writing. She irons Neeley's shirt as he rushes for a show and they share a moment before Francie departs. Neeley's manner reminds her of their father, Johnny. Getting ready for her date with Ben, Francie muses if a young girl is observing her. Indeed, Florry Wendy, a ten-year-old, watches her from a fire escape. Francie takes one last look at the tree in the yard before leaving.

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"I read it over and over in part because I felt it was describing to me what my parents’ life was like when they were kids." - Stephen Dubner

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