“Call Me Maria” by Judith Ortiz Cofer is the only book I have ever read in which the theme is wrapped up in a three-word title. It perfectly expresses the feelings of the title character, Maria, a Puerto Rican native who moves from the sunny island to the barrios of New York out of love for her depressed father, despite the fact that such a transition is not best for her. Because of this move, Maria quickly transforms from an ‘allegre’ (happy) Maria to a ‘triste’ (sad) Maria, becoming slightly depressed and continuing in this depression without the reader knowing if she ever gets out of it. Maria’s experiences in the ‘gray, snow, dark, cold, lonely’ barrio include new friends, self-discovery, and realization of human weakness.
The slow beginning of “Call Me Maria” almost condemned the book for me, but it fortunately became more interesting as it progressed. Though Maria has her faults, which included crudity and a mild irreligious attitude, the charm of the desolate loneliness of her personality almost unwillingly pulled sympathy from the reader. I say ‘unwillingly’ in reference to the initial dullness of the story, but this early tedium is forgiven because of Cofer’s unique characterization style that is typified by her use of Maria’s insights into the characters of her friends. The book is composed primarily of characterizations by Maria, all of which together form an interesting if not stellar read. Recommended.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 17
