2020/8 Final Conclusions on James McBride's The Color of Water--MOD'S CHOICE

[Jan]

What did you think? Final conclusions and/or reviews go here, even spoilers, if your discussion requires them.

[Hahtoolah]

I found it fascinating that the author's mother underwent so many name changes.

Ruth McBride Jordon was born on April Fool’s Day in 1921 in Poland to an Orthodox Jewish family. Her given name was Ruchel Dwajra Zylska. When she was 2 years old, she immigrated to the United States with her mother and older brother. Her father had already settled in the United States. She became known as Rachel once in America, but later changed her name to Ruth because she thought it sounded more “American.” Ruth is an interesting choice, since there is a Biblical Ruth who is known for converting to Judaism. Ruth McBride, however, tried to hide her Jewish roots and converted to Christianity.

[Rhonda]

I worked with Ruth for many many years I asked her if she was related to James She is a 4 ft 10 “ tiny Jewish woman and he very tall, black, and personalities different

She had his newest novel on her desk I stupidly said is he related she looked at me and said that’s my son I had felt stupid when I asked cause he was black, talk, and when I met him very outgoing She was my secretary in that I am a Neuro- clinical psychologist and also was a Non- Public school psychologist for 35 yrs ( I am only 39 yrs only No i’m57) . I looked at her different after that She was always very shy and quiet except when bragging about her son . 😀😇😅😂

[Jan]

That is very interesting, Rhonda!

Re Hatoolah's comment above, I remember I got very interested in looking up what had happened when I read it, which was 2013, and it was written in 1995, if I'm remembering correctly. It seems I did find some info, maybe from her obituary, or maybe something from a later edition. I'll have to try and remember.

I'd been given the book quite a bit earlier, and my husband had said it was good, and sure enough it is!!! I apparently gave it away subsequently, and now I've bought it again! 😄 What I can't remember is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. And I'm wanting to think about that.

[Jonathan]

I do not think I have read a book like this in a long time. In relating to Judaism, so much of what I have read has been on the Holocaust-Jews being victimized. Israel- Jews being heroic. America, Jews rising and living the dream, etc... Here was a book about a woman who turned her back on being Jewish, keeping that part of her life very secret but still having what I considered Jewish values, especially instilling in her children, to strive for education and in the end you see the incredible accomplishments of the McBride/Jordan family.

On the surface you understand Ruth's decision to go a different path in life, a cruel mentally and sexually abusive father, a community which would lead her to water because she was white but never let her drink because she was Jewish. An extended family that would help but only so much and looked down on her. She found acceptance and solace in the Black community in Virginia, which probably shaped and propelled her future. As I was reading I was wondering about her thought process. She was rebellious and once she got a taste for New York City, that is where she wanted to be. In the same respect with all of Manhattan at her feet, she was most comfortable with Harlem and the life style there. Part of me thought did some of these choices reflect the feelings she had about her father and it was her way of standing up to him.

Whatever the reason for her choices, she lived a remarkable life and was told brilliantly by her son James McBride. I really liked the parallel way he told the story, one chapter on how her mother grew up and one chapter on how he grew up and that end coming to grips on who the person he is and how he got there.

If you have not done so reads Jan's review when she originally read the book about five years ago some of the excerpts she has quoted are so telling of what the book is really about.

[Jan]

Jonathan wrote: "I do not think I have read a book like this in a long time. In relating to Judaism, so much of what I have read has been on the Holocaust-Jews being victimized. Israel- Jews being heroic. America, ..."

That is a wonderful review, Jonathan, and I hope you've posted it because it's so good in its own right, in addition to being a great comment here. And thanks for plugging my review. I've bought the book again which is easy to do since the bargains are out there, and no doubt it's in the library too. Meant to reread but so far haven't. I did hear him in a local Zoom interview for his most recent book, Deacon King Kong, and he's unusual among those in the current anti-racism climate since he does not either bless or curse people based on their identity (race, ethnicity, religion etc). Also he said something in that interview about writing books that notice the positive (rather than emphasizing the negative). Something about that's the only kind that do any good. I trust him, and can't say that for a lot of those out teaching & preaching these days. If I get a link for that interview, will post it.
I'd love to read The Good Lord Bird! Saw it on a list of fiction Jews should read although not sure why it's on there!
Thanks once again for your comment.

[Jonathan]

Thanks Jan, high praise coming from you. I will post on Goodreads when I get to a Desktop. I also had a bargain copy of the book. I had heard of the book but had no idea how popular it was. It was interesting how at the end he tied in the Holocaust story of his co-worker.

[Jan]

I reread the end last night b/c of your mentioning the Holocaust story from the end; I didn't remember. He writes so well! At 1st I was thinking must change to 5 stars. However, was thinking about his mother having closed all the doors to her Jewish past and thrown away the key, for example his writing that she looked on that Jewish wedding as though she were at a museum. And other examples. I was thinking the gentleman doth protest too much. And on top of that, the part I put in my review about his not having shared that well-wisher's recording with her: he says it's because he didn't want to upset her. But I think it scared him. 4.75 stars. :-)

[Jonathan]

These are great points. I really didn’t think so much about the recording but now that you revisit it, the rationale for not telling her did not make a lot of sense. In the same respect as we get to a certain age, our roles often reverse and as children we become our parents protectors. So that is where he may have been coming from.

In terms of the wedding I had similar reactions. I am not sure being Jewish that I can be totally objective. If I was Christian and reading that same paragraph it probably would have no effect on me.

I mean a lot of things were questionable about her character. If she knew her Mother was dying in Brooklyn, wouldn’t you move Heaven and Earth to see her. Her relationship with Dee Dee there was a lot of healing to do and that wasn’t going to be done with one phone call or a single visit. In some ways it felt she was too comfortable closing the door on her past and all that went with it.

In the end her life was her chosen faith and her children. In those choices she was very successful.

[Jan]

Jonathan wrote: "These are great points. I really didn’t think so much about the recording but now that you revisit it, the rationale for not telling her did not make a lot of sense. In the same respect as we get t..."

I need to reread the part about her mother, too; don't remember, nor Dee Dee either. I do remember she was absolutely committed to her decisions. No ambivalence there.

[Jan]

For those who may be interested: Zoom interview with James McBride re his newest book, Deacon King Kong. It was recorded and posted on the local bookstore's Facebook page. Hope it's accessible! https://www.facebook.com/acappellaboo...

[Jonathan]

Yes Dee Dee, was her younger sister. Once Rachel she returned Dee Dee begged her to stay. She reluctantly said she would but deep down I am pretty sure she knew she was leaving.

[Jan]

Got to reread! Thanks, Jonathan.

[Jan]

I had hoped to reread this the month it was the Moderator's Choice -- that's why I put it in -- but it took me another book club selection. Rereading now -- about half-way through -- & loving it. A book that's a real pleasure to read.

His novel The Good Lord Bird is a recent or current miniseries, but I didn't get to it. Have the audio book lined up though! Did anyone see that miniseries?