Discuss the relationship between Ruth and Midnight

Discuss the relationship between Ruth and Midnight.

Did anyone else want Ruth to adopt Midnight at the end?? My heart ached for that boy who just wanted to be loved.

Yet, there is racism/bias prevalent in the perception of parent/child interracial relationships. A Black adult with a white child is see as dangerous (the diner scene between Ruth, Midnight & the waitress) versus a white adult with a black child is seen as heroic - the "white savior".

It's too bad that your statement is so right, Bibliophile.

I think that Ruth recognized that "lost feeling" and that "looking for something" that she shared with Midnight. She also believed that Midnight's life at home and on the street could be the way her child might have been living. Ruth was there for Midnight to make amends and atone for not fighting harder for her child. Midnight finally had someone who actually listened to him.

I felt so bad for Midnight, and too wish that Ruth could have adopted him. But I also think his dad loved him in his own way, even though he didn't seem to be equipped with the skills needed to be a single dad. Luckily, he had his grandmother to help him as much as she could, but he still had a void from not having a mom. I think Ruth felt very maternal towards him and would have liked to remain in his life as a mother figure, if it had been possible. And that would probably have been a good situation for both of them.

I agree with the other reviewers especially that his dad did love him even though he was ill-prepared to be a dad due economic problems and his racial attitudes, One strength Midnight had was Ruth's and his need for each other that will not disappear when Ruth leaves and in a way it will be a mother-son relationship thus satisfying Ruth possible needs.

I agree also with the discussion line above. I like to imagine that Ruth does keep in touch with Midnight. It is a good thought.

Ruth and Midnight gave the other what they were looking for and needed. Midnight needed and wanted a Mother, Ruth wanted a son. Even tho they were of different races they made a good match. They fulfilled the hole in the other one.