Just finished two of her books - Joy in the Morning and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Joy in the Morning is probably the lesser known of her two books and is an old favorite of mine. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one that people often read for school but one I have missed until now.
Both seem semi-autographical judging from Betty Smith's life story. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is the story of young Francie growing up poor but with dreams of writing until a teacher suggests she stop writing such "sordid stories" (based on her life). Francie looks up sordid in the dictionary and bitterly disputes that definition of her life and her family.
Joy in the Morning is the story of a young married woman Annie who also has dreams of writing in spite of lack of money (her husband is a struggling law student), lack of education and other family responsibilities. Annie "collects" interesting people in her life and re-writes famous novels in an effort to understand them.
Betty Smith seems to discuss the subject of education (or lack of) frequently. Francie's mother and grandmother both realize that education is the only way out of poverty. Annie has not finished her high school education and feels very inadequate next to the coeds.
Both books are very beautiful trips back in time as Betty Smith weaves in some historical facts. Her dialogue is natural and her characters are unforgettable.
One of my favorite parts of Joy in the Morning is when Carl comes into Annie's room at the hospital after the birth of their child. He sees what Annie has written in her ever-present notebook.
"They say He looks down and sees the little sparrow fall. But did He look down and see me? I'm more important than a sparrow." His eyes smarted with tears as he wrote under her words:"Yes, you are! and I love you, Annie"
11/30/09 Just found the bible verse which apparently inspired Betty Smith's title Joy in the Morning. What a reassuring reminder of God's love for us. If only our human relationships could always be short on the anger and weeping and long on the joy!
Psalm 30:5 (New King James Version)
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.
1 comment:
nice review now I am curious, don't think I ever read one of her books
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