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

emotional funny inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

This story was engrossing with feminist themes, strong female characters, and a touch of magical realism. 

I loved Anita from the beginning. She was fire and emotion and rage, her persona was very compelling. As an immigrant, I connected with her the most, she was sent out of Cuba as a child by her parents. Missing it dearly and not having the same connection to America. When she has to chance to come back to Cuba, she realizes she no longer belongs there anymore, and that really resonated with me personally. 

Raquel was such a mirror to Anita’s life. Entering a world of upper white society at the fancy art school and being questioned about her success because of her race. There was a lot to unpack there from the toxic relationship to the micro aggressions from her peers. I loved her arc in the last third of the book, it showed growth and acceptance, and finding her voice through the women that came before her. 

Jack was the definition of toxic masculinity and I hope bats haunt him for the rest of his life 😂

I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time to come, reflecting on the messages and characters, it definitely has staying power and should be discussed in relation to women’s studies and lives.

Narration in this audiobook was truly outstanding. Jessica Pimentel stole the show as Anita, she was animated, emotional, and entertaining. Stacy Gonzalez as Raquel brought a younger, vulnerable voice to the story. Jonathan Gregg performed the few chapters for Jack and I also thought he showed great emotion for the character. A fantastic performance by this cast throughout the whole book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance listening copy.