Critique and Summary of James McBride’s The Color of Water Growing up in the home of Ruth McBride Jordan proves to be an ever-testing, but advantageous adventure for her twelve children. As a child, Ruth is abused by her Orthodox Jewish rabbi father, and she is forced to work long hours in the family store. Ruth finds forbidden love in the arms of a Black man. She eventually marries another Black man, and sheds …showed first 75 words of 539 total…

…showed last 75 words of 539 total…to uncover her past for herself and the family members who adore and depend on her. Ruchel Dwajra Zylska evolves into Rachel Deborah Shilsky and grows into Ruth McBride Jordan. Through her evolution and growth, she teaches her children that through their education and religion they can and will become successful citizens. Her strength and perseverance can be seen through the success of her dozen children who overcome the adversity of identity, race, and poverty.