This classic 19th-century Colombian novel tells the poignant story of unrequited love between Efraín and María, set against the backdrop of the lush Valle del Cauca. Blending elements of romanticism and local color, the novel explores themes of love, loss, family, and the fleeting nature of happiness. Isaacs' vivid descriptions and emotional depth make María one of the most celebrated works in Latin American literature. Maria is the only novel by Jorge Isaacs Ferrer, who was a Colombian writer, politician, and soldier. This novel became one of the most notable works of the Romantic movement in Spanish literature.

Introduction by Thomas A. Janvier.