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A review by effinalice
Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
medium-paced
5.0
Anita de Monte Laughs Last took me on a journey.
This is my first read by author Xochitl Gonzalez and let's just say she did not disappoint. I am enamored with this book and with both Raquel and Anita.
Anita is a Cuban artist on the rise in New York city circa 1985. After her sudden and mysterious death she is soon forgotten in the art world.
Raquel is a Puerto Rican art history student studying at an elite university trying to carve her path forward. She begins to date an older art student who may not have her best interests at heart but Raquel is too enamored to see it. As Raquel struggles to find a semblance of authentic footing in this new world she learns about Anita and her long forgotten legacy.
I saw sooo much of myself in this book with both characters. Anita is passionate and full of energy. At times even a bit wild. I couldn't hold back the laughs during her chapters. The audiobook narrator did a FANTASTIC job capturing Anita's essence and explosiveness. I highly recommend picking up the audiobook for that alone.
Raquel captures the experience attending university as a Latina low income student for the first time. Of the struggles to assimilate and be liked. Of wanting to fit in and yet missing your family. Of wanting to make something for yourself and stand out but equally making yourself small in order to be palatable to the white gaze. She also represents how we can make our own space on our own terms and how we can elevate each other.
I do not have the words to describe how much I loved this book. I am definitely going to continue picking up anything else Xochitl writes.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio & Netgalley for an advanced reader copy of Anita De Monte Laughs Last.
This is my first read by author Xochitl Gonzalez and let's just say she did not disappoint. I am enamored with this book and with both Raquel and Anita.
Anita is a Cuban artist on the rise in New York city circa 1985. After her sudden and mysterious death she is soon forgotten in the art world.
Raquel is a Puerto Rican art history student studying at an elite university trying to carve her path forward. She begins to date an older art student who may not have her best interests at heart but Raquel is too enamored to see it. As Raquel struggles to find a semblance of authentic footing in this new world she learns about Anita and her long forgotten legacy.
I saw sooo much of myself in this book with both characters. Anita is passionate and full of energy. At times even a bit wild. I couldn't hold back the laughs during her chapters. The audiobook narrator did a FANTASTIC job capturing Anita's essence and explosiveness. I highly recommend picking up the audiobook for that alone.
Raquel captures the experience attending university as a Latina low income student for the first time. Of the struggles to assimilate and be liked. Of wanting to fit in and yet missing your family. Of wanting to make something for yourself and stand out but equally making yourself small in order to be palatable to the white gaze. She also represents how we can make our own space on our own terms and how we can elevate each other.
I do not have the words to describe how much I loved this book. I am definitely going to continue picking up anything else Xochitl writes.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio & Netgalley for an advanced reader copy of Anita De Monte Laughs Last.