Despite being Isaacs' only novel, María is considered one of the most important works of 19th-century Spanish American literature.

The novel has several autobiographical elements, such as both main characters being natives of Valle del Cauca, or Efraín's departure to Bogotá to pursue his studies.

The story narrates the idyllic and tragic love between María and her cousin Efraín, both natives of Valle del Cauca.

Efraín returns from a six year stay in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, during which time he was pursuing his high school education.

They can only stay together for three months before Efraín is forced to travel to London to study medicine.