When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago is widely praised for its vivid portrayal of Puerto Rican culture and the immigrant experience. Readers appreciate Santiago's evocative writing and emotional depth. However, some find the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's celebrated as an insightful and compelling memoir.

When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago appeals to readers interested in memoirs about cultural identity, resilience, and the immigrant experience. Comparable to Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club and Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street, it captivates those who appreciate personal stories of adversity and growth within a rich cultural context.

When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago is a coming-of-age memoir recounting Santiago's childhood in Puerto Rico and her immigration to the United States. Amidst poverty and familial challenges, Esmeralda explores questions of identity, duty, and education while growing up. Her journey involves grappling with cultural dislocation and realizing personal aspirations, concluding with her high school graduation and the decision to pursue higher education. The memoir includes topics related to sexual harassment and infidelity.

- The title When I Was Puerto Rican is a reference to Esmeralda Santiago's transition and identity journey from her childhood in Puerto Rico to her eventual life in the United States.
- Esmeralda Santiago originally wrote When I Was Puerto Rican as part of a writing class at Harvard University, where her professor encouraged her to continue the narrative.
- The memoir is one of several works by Esmeralda Santiago that delve into her personal experiences and cultural identity, showcasing her significant contributions to Puerto Rican literature and American immigrant narratives.

**Esmeralda Santiago**  
A spirited and independent young girl who navigates the complexities of growing up, observing her parents' relationship and adapting to constant relocations, including moving from Puerto Rico to New York.

**Pablo Santiago (Papi)**  
Esmeralda’s father, often well-meaning but unreliable, who does not marry Esmeralda’s mother despite having seven children with her and develops a distant relationship with his kids.

**Ramona (Mami)**  
Esmeralda’s mother, who loves her children but can be harsh and serves as a contradictory role model for Esmeralda, eventually embodying the pursuit of the American Dream.  

**Tato**  
A boy who tries to engage Esmeralda in inappropriate activities and is described as fearless, showing another side of his personality with his actions towards her.

**Raymond**  
Esmeralda’s younger brother, who suffers a serious accident while riding a bicycle, symbolizing Esmeralda's feelings of guilt.

**Jenny**  
Esmeralda’s cousin, portrayed as spoiled and indulged, whose ownership of a new bike indirectly leads to Raymond’s accident.

**Rita**  
A neighborhood woman known for her tight clothes and party lifestyle, serving as a negative example in Mami’s eyes for female children.

**Gloria**  
A neighbor of Esmeralda, who provides her with candid and informal education on topics like men, sex, and menstruation that her mother avoids discussing.

**Sra. Leona**  
Esmeralda’s teacher, who is disappointingly antagonistic towards her, failing to support and nurture her enthusiasm for learning.

**Don Joaquin**  
A powerful preacher whose sermons have a strong emotional impact on the congregation, impressing Esmeralda with his ability to inspire fervor.

**Don Luis**  
The principal and temporary piano instructor at Esmeralda’s school, whose inappropriate behavior prompts a confrontation with her mother.

**Uncle Chico**  
Esmeralda’s uncle in New York, who initially appears friendly but later becomes a source of discomfort due to his inappropriate advances.

**The Woman Who Helps Her Audition**  
One of Esmeralda's mentors at the Performing Arts school, who offers her critical encouragement and unconditional support, greatly influencing her educational journey.

Esmeralda Santiago

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore When I Was Puerto Rican and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

When I Was Puerto Rican Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 2

When I Was Puerto Rican Prologue-Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-5 

When I Was Puerto Rican Chapters 3-5  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-8 

When I Was Puerto Rican Chapters 6-8  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-11

When I Was Puerto Rican Chapters 9-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 12-Epilogue 

When I Was Puerto Rican Chapter 12-Epilogue  Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

When I Was Puerto Rican Key Figures

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Themes

When I Was Puerto Rican Themes

Symbols & Motifs

When I Was Puerto Rican Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

When I Was Puerto Rican Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

When I Was Puerto Rican Essay Topics

Introduction

When I Was Puerto Rican Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

When I Was Puerto Rican Before Reading

During Reading

When I Was Puerto Rican During Reading

After Reading

When I Was Puerto Rican After Reading

When I Was Puerto Rican

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read When I Was Puerto Rican?

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Book Details