The Color of Water: A Book Review

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09/17/04

By Rachel Kaylor,
Contributor

Before the Civil Rights movement marked its importance in history, there was a point in time where racial lines were not only visibly drawn, but they sliced through society, dividing lives that should have been united.

In James McBride’s memoir, he and eleven siblings remarkably battle the hatred and struggle of being raised by a white woman. In this heartfelt dedication to his mother, Ruth, their story is a constant reminder of her strength and perseverance.

After growing up in a strict, Jewish family, Ruth discovers love and a new faith in an African-American man. By moving forward from her painful past, she pushes her children to focus on receiving the best education, and dedicating their lives in trusting God’s word.

During his childhood, while prejudices grew and the Black Panther’s lobbying intensified before his own eyes, McBride constantly feared for his mother’s life. Gracefully, Ruth was able to maintain her children as her first priority, even with limited funds.

However, as an adolescent, he left his studies, and strayed into the dangerous path of misconduct and violence. Unfortunately, only through the death of a friend did McBride straighten out and return to his promising future.
Throughout the book, many humorous moments as there were instants of sacrifice. While Ruth effortlessly worked into the night, her household of children transformed into hierarchy of power, which at times were amusing more than they were poignant.

Still, Ruth’s lessons to her children manifest for the duration of the account. Focusing on being a scholarly, ethical human being, she never focused on the color of skin, but on a person’s character.

After founding a Baptist church, and putting all of her children in college, The Color of Water's Ruth is truly an amazing character of determination and will. Clearly, a woman ahead of her time, she was able to overcome racial stereotypes and the detestation from members of the1960s society.

McBride has a marvelous gift, writing with style that portrays natural talent, welcoming readers with ease. Literary pieces like this are gems that shine through the masses of mediocrity, and ones that can not only move its audience emotionally, but also inspire them.

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