Aubrey holds a Ph.D. in English. In this essay, he examines how three female characters in Cisneros's story challenge prevailing ideas of gender roles in their Mexican-American community and decide to live life on their own terms.

In her fiction, Cisneros writes most powerfully about female characters, especially Mexican-American women who are struggling to find their identity. Many of these characters search for a way of living that remains true to their cultural heritage but which also takes account of their standing as Americans. In contrast, Cisneros often presents male characters in an unflattering light. "Little Miracles, Kept Promises" is no exception. Although there are many dramas in miniature in these letters, those in which Cisneros's writing is most sharp, poetic, amusing and intellectually stimulating are the letters from three women: Barbara Ybañez from San Antonio, Teresa Galindo from Beeville, and Rosario (Chayo) De...