Answer:
Ruth's first love, a young black man who Ruth met in her father's store. It's unclear if Peter was true as kind and loving as Ruth remembers him, or if Ruth was so starved for affection that she saw him as perfect.
Step-by-step explanation:
Important because he wrote this volume in order to discover himself. By delving into his mother's past, as well as his own past, he hoped to find a better understanding of his racial, religious, and social identity. This purpose guides the book's tone and content.