Anita de Monte Laughs Last: A Novel By Xochitl Gonzalez

Xochitl Gonzalez's "Anita de Monte Laughs Last" follows Raquel, a first-generation Ivy League student navigating the privileged world of art history. When Raquel discovers the forgotten genius of Anita de Monte, a female artist whose death was overshadowed by mystery and privilege, she grapples with questions of legacy, identity, and power.

Set in 1985 and 1998, the novel intricately weaves together the lives of Raquel and Anita, shedding light on the complexities of race, class, and ambition. Anita's tragic death in 1985 fades into obscurity by 1998, emblematic of the erasure faced by marginalized artists in a world dominated by privilege.

Raquel's journey unfolds against the backdrop of elite academia, where students of color like her are marginalized and overlooked. However, her relationship with an older, well-connected art student offers her a glimpse into the world of privilege and social ascent.

As Raquel delves deeper into Anita's story, parallels emerge between their lives, prompting Raquel to confront her own position within the hierarchy of power and influence. The novel explores themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of recognition, challenging readers to consider who dictates the narratives of history and art.

With compelling prose and a deftly constructed narrative, "Anita de Monte Laughs Last" invites readers to ponder the intricacies of memory, privilege, and the enduring legacy of forgotten voices. Gonzalez's exploration of identity and power resonates with urgency and relevance, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of the human experience. 📚❤️