March 22, 2011
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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Last Friday, I took Mrs. jigg to watch the Off Broadway revival, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. The novel, written by Betty Smith is one of my favorite books of all time. It’s about a family growing up in early the 1900′s in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and their struggles with poverty.
I knew it was also one of Mrs. jigg’s favorite books, so once I found out about it, I secretly got tickets. I told her I would be taking her on a date on that day, making sure she didn’t have other plans. For three weeks, up until we walked into the theater, I refused to tell her where we were going and what we were seeing. Once she saw the sign, her eyes lit up and she smiled ear-to-ear.
Overall, the musical was okay. However, if you know the story, you’ll realize how loosely adapted it is. The main character, Francie Nolan, doesn’t really have a part until the second act. The play touches on some themes, but doesn’t explore on any of them too much.
I always wondered why adaptations were always so far off from the original. On a similar example, I saw the movie Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon with Andy Lau and Maggie Q this weekend. Terrible movie overall, but what I hated most about it was how different it was from the Three Kingdoms story.
Anyway, if you haven’t read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, please do so! I read it the first time in high school and couldn’t put it down. I think partially, it had to do with my pride of being from Brooklyn, but mostly because it’s a great story. If by chance you get to see the musical, skip it.
It always surprises me when people tell me they have read it because there’s almost no talk about it.
Comments (5)
I read this book when I was in High School and loved it. It’s most likely because I grew up in Brooklyn that I felt compelled to read it. I have other books that are set in Brooklyn on my list, like “Brooklyn” by Toibin and The Brooklyn Follies which is on my bookshelf (but I still haven’t touched yet). Any other books related to Brooklyn you’d recommend?
it was a cute surprise. <33
Jigg, I was wondering if you could give me some feedback on my latest entry. Your keen insight is always valued.
I think they did a pretty good job with “Wicked” even though it doesn’t follow the book exactly, no? actually…it derailed from the book if you ask me…but it was a good choice I think.
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