Sparked by a single letter that unlocks a sentimental rush of old memories and unforgettable friends, Martita, I Remember You by renowned author Sandra Cisneros, had fans of her work eagerly awaiting its release. 

Corina, the main character, and her friends each set off to France from their respective home countries. Corina has dreams of becoming an accomplished writer in France, with dreams as big as the ones of her friends, Paola and Martita. Instead, they’re met with a difficult reality that opposes their high expectations. 

With a large portion of the book being Paola and Martita’s letters, written over the years, the story felt like an epilogue for characters already known and loved. Because of this, readers may have felt that they were missing some information. However, as the story continued, gaps were filled in. Readers are brought back in time to the bittersweet memories Corina had in France in a single, extended flashback. Cisneros continues one of the most distinguishable features in her writing that some found distracting: neglecting the use of quotation marks for dialogue. 

For many of the novel’s skeptics, this bilingual story (written twice: once in English and once in Spanish) and its characters didn’t manage to capture their hearts, with a common critique that it didn’t deliver any substance as a structured, plot-driven story. 

Many critics complained about story elements that didn’t match their personal taste, such as the book’s coming-of-age feel, and for some, Cisneros delivered little more than lyrical prose. But ultimately, Martita, I Remember You served its purpose as a novella on the reflection of youth, independence, and the value of an unforgettable friendship, even when the connection once shared has faded with time.