James McBride’s memoir, The Colour of Water, is split into distinct sections that alternate between McBride’s personal life narrative and his mom, Ruth’s, story. Whereas these sections is perhaps perceived as chapters by some readers, the e-book would not adhere to a standard numbered chapter construction. The narrative unfolds via these interwoven private histories, making a nuanced and sophisticated portrait of household, race, and id.
This structural selection enhances the thematic resonance of the memoir. By presenting parallel narratives, McBride emphasizes the interconnectedness of his and his mom’s lives, demonstrating how her experiences formed his personal. This back-and-forth strategy permits for a deeper exploration of themes resembling racial id, secrets and techniques, and the complexities of mother-son relationships. The dearth of formal chapter breaks contributes to a way of fluidity and interconnectedness, mirroring the circulation of reminiscence and the intertwining of their lives.
