I think Ma deserves a post dedicated solely to her. She is the glue that keeps the family together, and while she's less than perfect (actually pretty far from it), her strength is undeniable. This woman has dealt with it all; abusive husbands, living in poverty in the projects, losing four children to tragic causes. The list could go on. But throughout the story, Michael paints his mother as the most colorful and feisty character of the book.
She's always doing everything in her power to support her ten children, even if that requires a little bit of scheming. She works hard singing and playing her accordion in bars to make money, but is known to 'trick the system' for her children. Early on in the book, Michael tells of how a government official used to have to come visit their home to make sure they were really eligible for food stamps. While they were no doubt living in poverty, they did have things like old furniture they found and a TV. When the government official would come they'd have to hide all the things that made them look like they had "too much" money. They would put a cloth over the television to make it look like a small end table.
It's very clear how dedicated she is to her children. When Frankie is killed she stops at nothing to find out the truth behind his murder. The things she does and the people she harasses for answers show she nothing if not brave. And every time one of her children dies, you feel your heart breaking along with hers.
Although she's been through the most horrific of things, she never loses her humor. That's what she's certainly the most interesting character of the book. She's such a complex character but you find yourself rooting for her in all situations. The woman has got guts and she's willing to do just about anything for her children. It's amazing to read about.
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