What is the setting of the book The Color of Water by James McBride? Throughout the book, the setting, where and when it took place.

This is a
difficult question to answer simply because it is a multi-generational story which covers lots
of time and places. was written by , and it is an autobiographical journey
both of his life and his mother's life.

James McBride is one of twelve
children and grows up in Brooklyn, New York in the sixties and seventies. He spends most of his
life through adolescence either there or in Queens. His mother moves them to Delaware during his
high school years. To be a bit more specific, though, he does not generally attend school
in Brooklyn or Queens when he lives there. His mother sends him to whatever school she can in
order to improve his chances at a superior education. He attends Oberlin College.

Ruth McBride, the author's mother, was born in Poland and lives in Manhattan when her
family comes to America. Her father is an itinerant rabbi, so the family moves around a lot when
Ruth is young. When she is eight or nine, her family settles in Suffolk, Virginia. Later she
leaves and goes to Manhattan and finally ends up in Brooklyn, Queens, and Delaware, as outlined
above. Her husband's family is from the South, so she does spend some time there.

When James begins to trace his mother's history, he, too, spends some time in
Suffolk.

Like so many of us, the McBrides spend their time in many places
over the years.