María
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001
373
Novel • Fiction
Colombian Countryside • 1850s
2001
Adult
14-18 years
María by Jorge Isaacs is a 19th-century Colombian novel that follows Efraín, a young man returning to his family's rural estate. While there, he reunites with María, a childhood friend, and they experience a deep emotional connection amid the beauty of the Valle del Cauca. The novel explores themes of love, illness, and the passage of time.
Romantic
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Emotional
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María by Jorge Isaacs is lauded for its vivid descriptions and emotional depth, capturing Colombian landscapes and social customs with poetic prose. The romantic tragedy appeals to those interested in 19th-century literature, though its melodramatic style and predictable plot may not suit all modern readers. Its nostalgic beauty continues to resonate uniquely.
Readers who savor María by Jorge Isaacs often appreciate romantic, pastoral narratives, similar to those found in Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. They enjoy exploring themes of unrequited love and tragic fate, set against the backdrop of idyllic, rural landscapes.
7,656 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
María is often considered one of the most important works of 19th-century Latin American literature, capturing the Romantic spirit of the period with its vivid portrayal of Colombian landscapes.
The novel's author, Jorge Isaacs, was not only a writer but also a politician and a prominent figure in Colombian society during the mid-to-late 1800s.
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María has been translated into multiple languages, reflecting its significant impact and popularity beyond Spanish-speaking countries.
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373
Novel • Fiction
Colombian Countryside • 1850s
2001
Adult
14-18 years
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