This is the story of two women during two different time periods trying to make it as women of color in the New York art world. Anita de Monte died tragically in the 1980s and is nearly forgotten, until the late 90s when a third-year art history student, Raquel, discovers Anita's story and the eerie similarities it shares with her own. This book looks at being outcasts within the world of the privileged elite and who gets to decide the art and artists remembered over time. I really struggled to get into this audiobook and the characters. I think this may have been easier to do if I had read the book versus listened to it. The audiobook was too dramatic a reading for me, with Anita's character fluctuating so much in volume so often that I would have to continually adjust the audio volume while listening. It was just not my cup of tea and I felt like it distracted from the author's words. Overall, I think many readers will enjoy the discussion of power and the world of New York elitism, but it was not my favorite.

A Haunting Tale of Art, Power, and Forgotten Legacies
4.5 rounded up.

"Anita de Monte Laughs Last" is a captivating novel that weaves together two timelines and the stories of two unforgettable women. Xochitl Gonzalez masterfully creates a narrative that is both suspenseful and introspective, prompting readers to reflect on the enduring power of art, the complexities of love and ambition, and the often-unequal playing field of the elite art world.

Strengths:

Dual narrative: The book's structure, alternating between Anita's perspective in 1985 and Raquel's in 1998, adds depth and intrigue to the story. It allows the reader to experience Anita's struggles firsthand and witness the echoes of her past resonating in Raquel's life.
Compelling characters: Both Anita and Raquel are well-developed characters with distinct voices and motivations. Anita's artistic passion and fierce spirit shine through, while Raquel's journey of self-discovery and grappling with her identity is relatable and thought-provoking.
Social commentary: Gonzalez subtly weaves social commentary into the narrative, addressing themes of gender inequality, power dynamics, and the struggles of minority artists navigating a predominantly white art world.
Intriguing mystery: The circumstances surrounding Anita's death remain shrouded in secrecy, keeping the reader engaged and eager to uncover the truth.

"Anita de Monte Laughs Last" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. It's a must-read for anyone interested in art, social justice, and the complex narratives of women navigating their place in the world.

A fast-paced dual timeline art mystery that sees a present day grad student digging into the life of controversial artist, Anita de Monte and finding many parallels between their two lives.

I enjoyed this book for the most part but felt like it didn't know what genre it was supposed to be - mystery, ghost story, literary fiction, historical fiction. It is definitely a blend of all of those which normally is fine for me but I got really confused as to what the story was trying to do.

For me the real standout of this one was the audiobook narration by Jessica Pimentel, Jonathan Gregg and fav, Stacy Gonzalez. While this likely isn't going to be a standout read for me this year, I would still recommend it to fans of authors like Silvia Moreno-Garcia or Isabel Allende.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

I was really excited about this book after reading the premise for it, and would mostly consider it a success, albeit with a few problematic elements that can be a bit tough to get past.

The protagonists were wonderfully drawn and worthy of the reader’s attention (I especially loved Raquel), and I love González’s sly, sharp writing.

The magical realism component of the story was a bit of a bummer, as it felt totally out of place and silly. I’ll also agree with other reviewers who said they found the identity politics to be a bit stale. It felt like a bit of a bait and switch to begin digging into the story thinking “yes! This is the stuff we need to be talking more about in the art world!” only to have it frequently devolve into the hyperbolic and the absurd. Though I certainly enjoyed the unapologetic skewering of a thinly-veiled Carl Andre. It’s as true in life as in the book that what happened to his wife is always swept under the rug when he’s discussed in Art History classes. This was never once mentioned to me until graduate school, and even then only anecdotally.

But mostly I think a book centered on art and Art History needed to have a lot more art in it. As interesting and at times upsetting as the art world politics are as they’re presented here, the characters’ personal lives and issues are far tropier and less interesting, and they take up a lot of real estate in the book. And the story is also overlong in the sense that it gives you way too much time to get tired of that.

Still, I love González’s style and sense of humor, and underneath all of the good and bad about the book, she does succeed in making the point she set out to make, and it’s an important one. And as you might guess from the title, the book has an excellent justice served feel in the end.

I did not know this was based on a true story. When I saw the picture of Ana Mendieta in R.O. Kwon's post, I thought of Anita de Monte. I didn't read the caption or the comments, but picture in the post was exactly how I imagined the scene from this book: Anita, covered in Cuban mud, feeling her true self. Then I read the comments turns out I wasn't the only one thinking of her. That's when I learned Anita de Monte was Ana Mendieta, and she was killed

Anita was some posh artist's first girlfriend, then wife. She was only there to give this artist a bit of air of mystery with her Cuban roots. She wasn't considered an artist. Her work was only poor replica of this dude's work. So they said... She was gaslighted. Her larger than life personality and her art were nothing. Years later, another woman with similar credentials got similar treatment. Rachel was some spoiled white brat's trophy girlfriend. She was right next to him to look nice and look at him lovingly. Rachel was so interested in Anita's husband and his work not realizing who he really was and how she was no different than long forgotten Anita.

I loved the scene where Rachel finally stood up for herself, Anita, and legacy Latin women would leave behind. I liked the parallelism of both women's lives. It was sad to see something never change though

I think this book will have mass appeal. I posted a longer, more comprehensive review on Goodreads. I also will post a video review on my tiktok page soon.

I was skeptical due to my experience with Gonzalez's debut, [book:Olga Dies Dreaming|57693171], but this book was very entertaining. For me, Anita de Monte's academic art world setting was far more enjoyable than being immersed in the political world of ODD.

This book explores how the way and by whom history is written influence its future study—omitting perspectives can lead to inaccuracy. Additionally, it examines how some people have to work hard to leave a legacy, while others seem to achieve it effortlessly. The storytelling is fast-paced, engaging, and very accessible.

For the most part, the narrators were excellent and a pleasure to listen to. The narrators who voiced Anita and Jack were good, but they were very dramatic at times. While some listeners may appreciate this added flair, personally, I prefer a more subdued delivery. This personal preference is a nitpick in an otherwise enjoyable listening experience.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Flatiron Books for giving me advanced access to this book.

Well… hmmmm.
This is the kind of book that makes it so hard for me to dnf.
For most of the book I was NOT having a good time.
The narration felt like screaming in some parts so having headphones on was a trip. It was little repetitive… and The characters I kinda hated.

BUT THEN! *something happens* around 60% and I really really liked it. I liked where the novel went I just wished it had gotten there sooner or given more nuance at the beginning/maybe character to like?

The men. Omg. I think if I made a list of fictional men I hate the most Nick what’s his last name is on the list. I detested him.

I’m not sure if my experience would have been vastly different if I had read it with my eyes-perhaps?

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced audiobook.

This is one of those tales as old as time that don’t get told enough. I was completely captivated by the story and absolutely loved the audiobook version. The narrators are wonderful and weave the perspectives together so beautifully.

The characters are so well developed and nuanced. You’re truly a part of their experiences, feeling the callous nonchalance of the privileged players and the struggle of those fighting for a place in a world that is actively and aggressively trying to keep them out.

This story has it all, beauty, hardship, magic… I won’t forget Anita me soon. I hope this book not only reaches its target audience but YA readers as well. I know I’ll be recommending it often, once it’s released.

My deepest gratitude to both Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC. I already know this will be one of my favorites of the year.

I absolutely loved this book - devouring it in just a few short days, unable to set it down. I listened to the audiobook (a big thank you to Net Galley for the advance copy/access) and the narrators were fantastic, giving the voices and characters of Anita and Raquel such amazing life, personality, and energy that you quickly found yourself hooked by their stories, wanting to hear more - fully immersed in their lives, their culture, their struggles, their passions, and invested in their journey. As someone who studied art myself in college, I found myself completely drawn into the worlds Xochitl Gonzalez paints in her book because they felt so real and relatable, even across decades - Brown’s campus with its pretentious students, faculty worship, blurred relationships, and feelings of trying to fit in to different worlds; the art world filled with artists with god complexes, backhanded deals, fickle friends, and rampant sexism, racism, and classism.

This is a book I can’t wait for my friends to read so I can have someone to talk about it with who also feels as invested in Anita and Raquel’s stories, as it’s hard to do the book justice when just describing the plot to others as the characters are truly what I love about it. With their strength, passion, and fierceness, it’s hard not to cheer them on. Even when the topics and themes of the book are heavy, the author balances it so well with the humor, wit, and fire of both women. If you like art, know what it’s like to lose yourself for someone one else, women who stand up for themselves, and some vengeance, I think you’ll like one.

Not meant to be spoilers, but think it’s worth noting some of the topics could be triggering for folks, including: unhealthy relationships/domestic violence, racism, sexism, disordered eating.

This was a fabulous read on audio. Deep topics from multiple perspectives and own voices writing. The narration was also so well done. Definitely recommend.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This review is for the audiobook. Several narrators keep the listening experience lively, and help the listener follow the time changes. But for me, the story they were reading was stale.

The identity politics feel easy, and sadly a bit cheap for reinforcing stereotypes. A braver book might have challenged these with more sophistication regarding gender and racial politics in this field. But then, this is closer to chick-lit (now called New Adult) than a serious examination of the issues. By the end, the point of view had long been worn out with lots of hammer-on-head repetition. Sometimes less is more.

The historical narrative does tease out feminist and racial politics in a more interesting way. The storyline is obviously based on Ana Mendieta and Carl Andre. Since Andre just died, that story is all over. Some may be titillated by the raw, violent, abusive, co-dependent relationship that continues to bother art historians today. Not me. But then, I'm clearly not the target audience.

Overall, this one was disappointing for me. But if any of this is new for you or is your particular focus and interest, no doubt you will enjoy this book more than I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance listener copy.

So, great job to the narrators on this at bringing this story to life. I didn't really connect with the first book by this author, but I quickly became invested in this one and was seriously anxious about how it was going to go.
I could relate to the women, though, in relationships that weren't what they deserved while wondering why they don't feel more grateful. There were a lot of bad guys in the book, and the only thing I don't like is that I wish it could've turned out worse for some of them.
The story was heartbreaking in some ways but really made the world feel so wild and beautiful.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

the best book i've read so far this year. the characters were so well written and the female rage that was present was very well represented

A gorgeous and layered novel that contains so much: a perfectly observed social deconstruction of Ivy League social dynamics and their problematic hierarchy, a passionate cri de couer against the brutal sexism and racism of the art world which rings entirely true, and a heartfelt exploration of two women’s social and emotional journeys as brilliant Latina creators in (and despite) their respective and interconnected hostile worlds. Very satisfying while also giving readers a little bit of necessary discomfort! The prose has lines and cultural references to die for and I was impressed with the narration! A winner all the way.

This is Xochitl Gonzalez’s sophomore novel, her debut being Olga Dies Dreaming. I haven’t read that one yet, but it’s on my tbr, especially after reading this one!

I loved this book! Raquel and Anita were great characters, and I was very invested in both of their stories and successes. There isn’t really a mystery aspect here - we’re told exactly what happened, and how. The narrator who played Anita really added to my experience of this book! She really brought the character’s passion and larger-than-life personality out.

I was so frustrated for these characters and the injustices and difficulties they faced. I really enjoyed the art world setting and the discussions of what art means to people. Ugh, I really appreciated everything about this book! My only wish was that we had spent more time in the conclusion part of the story.

Also, this book took some unexpected turns, which led to some scenes that had me laughing out loud!

The amount of times I wanted to DNF this book was insane.

I found Anita's rants via audio nearly insufferable. I couldn't figure out where the story was going/what the entire point of the book was. I was feeling very impatient with Raquel, being a dumb new adult navigating the world for the first time by herself. I understood that NA characters are usually stupid and annoying but it was just so OBVIOUS that Nick was not the right person for her, and I just thought she was a great catch, and deserved better.

Once the story hit about 63% the pieces finally clicked together. I could see where the plot was taking me and I was HERE FOR IT. I am so glad I stuck with this book, although I do wish that it would have hooked me a bit sooner than over the halfway mark.

I LOVED the twist, where Anita, Jack, and Raquel took me. This book is going places and will be talked about a lot!!

Took off one star....because of the very very slow start...and slow middle....but WOWOWOWOWIE what an ending!!!!!

My first book of 2024 and I loved it! A story of a Cuban woman artist, who is also married to a famous artist, is murdered. While her male, white husband continues to flourish in the art world, the world forgets Anita after her death. It isn't until Raquel Toro, a college student working on her thesis, discovers Anita's work and sets forth on a path to bring Anita's work to life again.

As a Latina, it's incredibly important for me to find authors who can create characters that accurately capture what is it to be Hispanic, even the crazy and uncomfortable parts. There is nothing like reading a book that I can truly identify with and compare with my own life experiences. Gonzalez has created two incredibly strong characters in Anita and Raquel and I am here for it!

This book incorporates deep topics like classism, race inequality, sexism, feminism, and love - all given from the perspectives of Anita, Raquel and Anita's husband Jack in a dual timeline and alternating POV's. There's also some "magical realism" in the storyline, but those of us who are Hispanic know all too well what this is.

I loved Jessica Pimentel in Orange Is The New Black and her voicing of Anita was superb! Kudos to MacMillan Audio for getting things right when it comes to giving life to Latin characters. It matters to me that stories are voiced by narrators who are representative of the characters and Macmillan Audio knocked it out of the park with this one! I appreciated the Spanish words being read correctly, with just the right amount of an accent, and felt Anita's passion come through the audio format. Although there have been some comments about how extra the narration is, Cubans are passionate about everything (I would know...I'm Cuban!) so it was an accurate portrayal of a Cuban woman scorned.

I really enjoyed this book in audio format and am extremely grateful to MacMillan Audio and Netgalley for the ALC of this book! Muchas Gracias!

Phenomenal book!

There is so much to say but maybe I will try to list:
I love that we get to dwell in feminine rage and vengance, it feels so right
I love that the importance of art is something that can live on forever
I love that by honoring those that are no longer here is way of keeping them alive
I love the story about assimilation and breaking out of it
I love that Anita got her last laugh, long may she be.

This magical realism unfolds through dual timelines and three perspectives—Anita, Raquel, and Jack. Anita, a vibrant Cuban American artist, faces marital challenges as her art takes off, with Jack attempting to undermine her. Raquel, a university student, discovers Anita's overlooked brilliance. This story has powerful themes, with great pacing and laugh-out-loud moments, and captivating. Narrators Jessica Pimentel, Jonathan Gregg, and Stacy Gonzalez skillfully portray each character, giving them distinct voices. Anita's wild spirit-although some may find her excessively theatrical.
Raquel's narration is vividly brought to life, and you can feel her heartache during a sad scene. Jack is well portrayed and I can't help myself but laugh when he gets terrorized. You can feel that terror coming through. His experience is one that will forever changes how I view bats.

This book is made for audio format! Narration is by Jessica Pimentel, Stacy Gonzalez and Jonathan Gregg. This cast of readers does a FANTASTIC job of bringing the main characters to life. You can feel the character anger and passion, appreciate the Spanish accents and words - enriching the whole reading experience.

There are two timelines in the story, current art student Raquel and married artists from years prior. The book really showcases how easy it is to erase someone from the public eye. In this case it is Anita the artist, but the same happens in other fields such as science and research. The author shows that by brining those equally talented people to the forefront we in turn bring them back to life.

The book is well written and I liked the touch of magical realism. I have not read Gonzalez's first book but based on this read, I will add it to the TBR list.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.