Anita de Monte Laughs Last

Bookseller recommendation

“Anita and Raquel are your every day Latinx women, whose passionate and 'loud' presence are weaponized as 'other' or to be 'tamed'. In this novel, you see both sides of this coin in such a visceral way that it will leave you breathless. Gonzalez holds no punches and the amazingly talented narrators of this audiobook reflected that pure unencumbered emotion, making this an even more personal experience. This novel also tackles the constant battle between art and artist, and whether they should be judged as a unit or separately - regardless of the ramifications this may cause to art history as a whole. Should your art be the only thing remembered when you are gone or the life you led to reach the fame you acquired? Possibly an eternal question, unless you have a character like Anita or Raquel, who will make sure that those silenced are never forgotten.”

— Vina • Kew & Willow Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Xochitl Gonzalez does it again! I was completely blown away by Anita de Monte Laughs Last - I learned that this incredible book is based on a real-life Cuban American artist who everyone should know about! I loved the dual timelines telling Anita's story alternating with Raquel's. An art history student in the 1990s, Raquel is a Latinx woman trying to make her way through a white man's world. When she finds her voice, she is formidable! The audiobook narration is perfection and I appreciated the extra emotion and heart the narrators brought to the story. I cannot get over how brilliant this book is, and I can't wait for everyone to read it! ”

— Kate • Bookmarks

Bookseller recommendation

“This was a super fun listen. I enjoyed Olga Dies Dreaming, but I like this one even better. Told from multiple character’s viewpoints and moving back and forth through time, the story comes together so well. I loved the late 90’s setting for the modern portion of the novel and the supernatural, haunting in the last third of the book. Great narration, too!”

— Marisa • Chapter One Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“This was a super fun listen. Told from multiple characters' viewpoints and moving back and forth through time, the story comes together so well. I loved the late 90’s setting for the modern portion of the novel and the supernatural, haunting in the last third of the book. Great narration, too!”

— Marisa • Chapter One Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“Great storytelling from multiple characters perspective that touches on feminism, gender, power, race and art. Loved this gripping story. Marvelous audiobook. ”

— Anne • Newtonville Books