"The Color of Water" is a memoir written by James McBride that tells the story of his mother, Ruth McBride Jordan, a white Jewish woman who married a black man and raised twelve biracial children in the 1950s and 1960s. The book alternates between Ruth's own story of growing up in a racist and abusive household and James' reflections on his own upbringing and struggles with identity.
One of the most powerful aspects of the book is Ruth's resilience and determination to overcome the challenges she faced as a black woman in a predominantly white society. Despite facing discrimination and hardship, Ruth was able to create a loving and supportive environment for her children, instilling in them the values of hard work, education, and compassion.
James McBride's writing is both engaging and poignant, drawing the reader into the lives of his family members and their struggles to find their place in the world. He skillfully weaves together the past and present, creating a narrative that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Overall, "The Color of Water" is a beautifully written and moving memoir that explores themes of race, identity, family, and resilience. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of love, acceptance, and understanding in overcoming adversity. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring the complexities of race and family dynamics in America.