When I Was Puerto Rican Summary
Esmeralda Santiago

When I Was Puerto Rican Summary

Esmeralda Santiago recalls her life as a youngster in Puerto Rico. As a child she lives with her mother Ramona, father Pablo, and younger sisters Delsa and Norma. She recalls the birth of her first younger brother, Hector, and then the other siblings, Alicia, Raymond and Edna. Her parents are often angry with each other and her mother sometimes takes the children and moves in order to escape the relationship.

Eventually, Ramona begins working at a factory and the children are left with a neighbor. When Gloria runs off to be married, Ramona is unable to work for several days until Gloria's return. Eventually, Ramona says that she can't really rely on anyone other than the family and tells Esmeralda that she's going to have to be more responsible with regard to helping with the children and the housework. Esmeralda chaffs under the load but does her best, hating... View more of the When I Was Puerto Rican Summary