The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother

Book Review by Jane
It’s no wonder that James McBride chose to use his writing talents to tell his mother’s story. She is an incredible woman who managed to raise twelve children; sometimes without the help of a husband, as she was widowed twice. She also not only managed to see all twelve graduate from college, some with graduate degrees, but she graduated herself at the age of 65 with a degree in social work, which she put to use. She has an unrelenting will that brought her from her former life in a Polish immigrant family to the times James McBride shares of his years growing up. She was the oldest daughter of an Orthodox Jewish rabbi. However, life was not easy with this man. Her mother was a sweet woman, but of frail health and very dependent on her husband.  James McBride’s mother had little choice but to leave, and she chose to go to New York, where she met the author's father.  She came to be known as Ruth, leaving behind her Jewish name as well as her past. She became a very faithful Christian woman through the direction of her first husband, in spite of her Jewish roots. 

James McBride tells the story of his mother’s past through her voice, and then tells the times of his youth through his own. This creates an interesting story. Ruth coped with the racial differences of her and her neighbors by having few friends and keeping to herself. She also raised her children through a time when there was a greater awareness of differences in race and prejudice, as well as a time of change.  Any mother or son would particularly enjoy this book. There are strong ties between sons and mothers, and this book is a good illustration of that.

Jane.