Esmeralda is unquestionably the protagonist of the book, as Santiago places her in the center of every scene. Thus, the reader experiences Esmeralda's life from her point of view. Young Esmeralda faces two major conflicts, which form the basis for many of her actions and decisions. First is the cultural conflict of her Puerto Rican cultural heritage and her adopted American culture. Second is the conflict of living in between childhood and adulthood, of craving the protection and safety of youth, while desiring the freedom and independence of maturity.

Above all, Esmeralda is in between—in between cultures, in between childhood and adulthood, in between languages, in between races. She wants to become Americanized, while still dreaming of returning to the Island. She feels she can only be herself in the comfort of her childhood home and within Mami's protective shelter, while yearning...