mcbride divide the color of water between the mother and the sons memory of childhood.what is the attitude of each of these characters toward their respective childhoods?

James sees his childhood as a challenge of identity and purpose. He struggles to understand his bi-racial identity. Ruth does not like to acknowledge her childhood. She sees it in terms of the systemic abuse, by her father, and racially confusing. Both characters must come to terms with their respective childhoods through the book.