A review by smcaietti
Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

1.0

I read this book and loved it. the female characters were vivid and changing between narrators throughout was engaging.  I then read interviews with the author and had a visceral negative reaction to the author’s choice not to consult the estate and/or family of the artist the book was based on, Ana Mendieta. The book largely centers on true facts of Ana Mendieta’s life and legacy. Yet the author only references her by her first name on the dedication page at the front. The book raises questions about the role of estates and ownership of creative control of an artist’s work after death.  To not even consult with or give a voice to the Mendieta family seems to me to be a disservice to take away a seat at the table in shaping Mendieta’s legacy.  Regardless this book does shine a light on Mendietas story and prompts readers to do their own research. I can’t recommend this book given the authors actions (or lack thereof) as it feels to run afoul of takeaways from the novel itself.