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- Title: Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother
- Author: James McBride
- Narrator: Jd Jackson, Susan Denaker
- Length: 08:46:50
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 25/09/2014
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
- Genre: Biography & Memoir, Memoir, History & Culture, Women, Biography & Memoir, Memoir, History & Culture, Women
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
As someone who has spent years collecting stories from every corner of the globe, I can say with certainty that ‘The Color of Water’ is a masterpiece of memoir and oral history. The audiobook, narrated by JD Jackson and Susan Denaker, unfolds like a long, intimate conversation with a wise elder – reminiscent of those evenings in Oaxaca where stories were passed down with warmth and raw honesty.
James McBride’s tribute to his white mother, Ruth McBride Jordan, is a tapestry of resilience, identity, and unconditional love. The dual narration by Jackson and Denaker brings an extraordinary depth to this already rich narrative. Denaker’s portrayal of Ruth is nothing short of mesmerizing – her voice carries the weight of a woman who has lived through pogroms, racism, and personal tragedy, yet remains unbroken. Meanwhile, Jackson’s delivery of McBride’s reflections is both tender and powerful, capturing the son’s journey from confusion to profound understanding.
Listening to this audiobook, I was transported back to my own experiences of straddling cultural identities. Like McBride, I’ve often found myself navigating the spaces between worlds – whether as a Puerto Rican in New York or a traveler in foreign lands. The way McBride grapples with his mixed-race heritage resonated deeply with me, especially his mother’s mantra: ‘God is the color of water.’ It’s a phrase that echoes the universal truth that our humanity transcends the boundaries we so often construct.
The production quality is impeccable, with each narrator’s voice perfectly suited to their respective roles. The pacing allows the listener to absorb the emotional weight of each revelation, whether it’s Ruth’s harrowing childhood or James’s own struggles with identity and belonging. The audiobook format, in particular, enhances the oral tradition at the heart of this story – making it feel as though Ruth herself is sitting across from you, sharing her life over a cup of coffee.
That said, the audiobook isn’t without its minor flaws. At times, the transitions between narrators can feel slightly abrupt, pulling you momentarily out of the narrative flow. Additionally, some listeners might find Ruth’s sections emotionally heavy, though this is more a testament to Denaker’s powerful performance than a critique.
Compared to other memoirs I’ve experienced – both in print and audio – ‘The Color of Water’ stands out for its raw honesty and lyrical prose. It’s a story that lingers long after the final chapter, much like the tales told by that grandmother in Oaxaca. If you’re a fan of memoirs like ‘Educated’ by Tara Westover or ‘Born a Crime’ by Trevor Noah, this audiobook will undoubtedly resonate with you.
In the end, ‘The Color of Water’ is more than a memoir – it’s a meditation on love, resilience, and the fluidity of identity. Whether you’re listening during a long commute or a quiet evening at home, this audiobook promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart.
Until next time, keep your ears open for the stories that surround you – whether they’re whispered by the wind or spoken through the voices of narrators like Jackson and Denaker. Safe travels, my friends. – Marcus
Marcus Rivera
