Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez (Review by Stacey Lorenson)

Rating:  4.0/5

Anita de Monte Laughs Last is told from several perspectives, during two time periods, over a decade a part. Gonzalez’s contemporary fiction is a satirical social commentary on racism, family, and love. The author has created a breathtaking prose doused in Hispanic folklore, magical realism, and art history while examining physical and emotional domestic abuse. She details the life of someone consumed by abuse and others on a journey to reclaim themselves and their purpose.

The story follows the abusive relationships of two beautiful Latino women, one, an orphaned Cuban immigrant, the other born to an immigrant single mother. In 1985 Anita, a successful artist in her own right, struggles for autonomy over her life and career as she navigates her contentious relationship with her renowned artist husband, Jack Martin. In 1998, art history student, Raquel, works on her final thesis. In the process, she discovers the work of Anita De Monte. Raquel becomes obsessed with understanding the mystery surrounding Anita’s death. Ironically, Raquel and Anita share similar stories as Latinas’ attempting to find acceptance in a homogenous academic and art society, while their relationships with their narcissistic entitled partners exile them from loved ones. 

I thought Jack and Racquel’s point of view was sufficient to tell the rest of the story without Anita explaining both her life and death. Anita’s haunting of her oppressors, while amusing, was repetitive. 

Gonzalez is a gifted writer and Anita de Monte Laughs Lasts is an intoxicating and compelling novel that exalts women’s rights while questioning patriarchal society. Raquel’s march to self-realization and empowerment was inspiring to witness. This is a great book club pick as it offers interesting characters and subject matters for a deep discuss.