Literature Reviews - 2025

Comprehensive Review of The Color of Water by James McBride

James McBride’s The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother is a profoundly moving and complex memoir that intertwines the author’s journey of self-discovery with the extraordinary life story of his mother, Ruth McBride Jordan. Through alternating narratives—his own and his mother’s—McBride delivers a compelling portrait of race, religion, resilience, and the power of education.

Structure and Themes

The book’s dual structure is a crucial storytelling device. McBride recounts his upbringing as a mixed-race child with a Black father and a white Jewish mother, while Ruth’s narrative reveals her transformation from an oppressed Orthodox Jewish girl to a fiercely independent matriarch of twelve children. This back-and-forth storytelling creates a tapestry of identity and perseverance, demonstrating how past experiences shape future generations.

Identity and Racial Struggles

One of the book’s strongest themes is racial identity. James struggles with being biracial in a racially polarized society. As a child, he questions whether he is Black or White, only to receive his mother’s enigmatic response: "God is the color of water." This metaphor reinforces the idea that identity transcends race and religion.

Ruth’s story, on the other hand, illustrates the hardships of navigating two worlds. Born as Rachel Shilsky, she grows up in a household dominated by a cruel, racist father and a meek, disabled mother. Her rejection of her Jewish heritage—brought on by her father’s abuses and her later marriage to a Black man—symbolizes her attempt to escape oppression and redefine herself.

The Power of Education

Ruth instills in her children the unshakable belief that education is their ticket to success. Despite being a widow twice over and struggling in poverty, she ensures that all twelve of her children graduate from college, with many becoming doctors, professors, and professionals. McBride’s own journey from a troubled youth involved in petty crime to a celebrated journalist and musician reflects this theme of transformation through education.

Faith and Spiritual Resilience

Religion plays a pivotal role in the McBride family’s survival. Ruth, originally Jewish, converts to Christianity and finds strength in the church. Her children, too, are raised with a strong Christian foundation, which serves as their guiding force. However, religion is not just a source of comfort—it is also a means of resistance against racism and hardship.

Writing Style and Impact

McBride’s prose is lyrical and deeply personal. He seamlessly blends humor, sorrow, and reflection, making his mother’s voice come alive with authenticity. Ruth’s chapters, written in her own voice, add depth to her character, making her transformation from a frightened Jewish girl to a strong, fearless mother all the more remarkable.

The book does not shy away from difficult topics: racism, abuse, poverty, and identity struggles. Yet, it is ultimately an uplifting story. Despite the pain both mother and son endure, The Color of Water is a testament to the power of love, faith, and determination.

Conclusion

McBride’s memoir is both a tribute and an exploration of self. By telling his mother’s story, he understands his own. The Color of Water is a must-read for anyone interested in race, identity, and family dynamics. It is a deeply moving book that leaves readers reflecting on their own heritage and the forces that shape their identity.