Anita de Monte Laughs Last: A Novel

I did rate it 4 ⭐️ but I just saw this book is base in a true story and the autor doesn’t mention Ana Mendieta in any part of the book and how the family had to relieve her death again. (There’s a New York Times Article talking about her live and how we can make Ana Mendieta legacy alive)

It was a slow start but I enjoyed the last quarter of the book. It has elements of the surreal within the narrative of a relatively normal story. While it’s not a book I plan to revisit, I am inspired to find a Latin art exhibition.

In this second book from Xochitel Gonzalez we get more of the same through most of it; sprinkled with some refreshing choices everywhere else. All of it comes together to increase exposure to the expansive range of Hispanic & Latin culture and perspectives. Gonzalez makes some bold choices that result in a story about the past haunting us in so many ways. Her characters are in some ways a retread from her previous book. Their circumstances differing in ways but the same class, identity, and race struggles persist. Her characters are the brushstrokes that fill in this complex American landscape. The best feature of this novel is in how Gonzalez sets two stories moving in circular motion around each other. Demonstrating two sides of the same coin and history repeating itself. It’s a powerful work with a lot to say. Though it starts out slow, it finds its pace in the end. Definitely worth the read.

The novel offers a poignant and resonant narrative that blends fiction with the intriguing backdrop of real-life artist Ana Mendieta. This revelation adds depth and emotional resonance to the novel, making it a compelling read. As a Latina navigating predominantly white spaces, I found the characters relatable and their journeys empowering. Also, magical realism serves as a literary device that enhances the depth of the storytelling. It allows Gonzalez to explore complex themes and emotions through surreal events and supernatural occurrences.

The audio although irritating to listen to sometimes because of the very fast paced excited narrator, was still fantastic. Loved the feminist perspective and the art world hypocrisy.