The novel Maria is considered a masterpiece of romantic Colombian literature. Thematically it resembles French Romanticism, but the story of María and Efraín is inserted into a framework of nature. It is the story of a luckless romance between the son of a wealthy landowner and his cousin, with elements of nature, death, and love. Some aspects of the novel are autobiographical, especially in the setting and character backgrounds. It is unique work despite holding true to many genre standards.