An Introduction to “Anita de Monte Laughs Last”
“Anita de Monte Laughs Last” by Xochitl Gonzalez, though told with humor and a light touch, doesn’t shy away from serious issues such as the erasure of women from the art history canon and the racism encountered by first-generation students of color at Ivy League colleges. This unique novel is a blend of a campus novel and a ghost story, fearlessly tackling the complexities of racism and misogyny within the rarefied world of fine art and art history.
The Mysterious Death of Anita de Monte
Set in the late 1980s, the novel opens with the tragic death of the artist Anita de Monte following a violent argument with her husband, Jack Martin. Anita was found on the sidewalk outside their apartment, sparking speculation about whether she jumped or was pushed. Jack, acquitted of any wrongdoing, continues his successful career while Anita’s art is largely forgotten. This early narrative strongly echoes the real-life story of Cuban-born artist Ana Mendieta and her husband, minimalist sculptor Carl Andre.
Raquel Toro’s Journey
Ten years later, Raquel Toro, an art history major at Brown University with a working-class Puerto Rican background, feels out of place among her privileged peers. Her fortunes change when she begins dating art major Nick Fitzsimmons, whose wealthy family has connections to major museums and galleries. Raquel’s senior thesis on Jack Martin’s career gains support from her advisor, mirroring Anita’s entanglement with Jack. However, Raquel’s summer internship shifts her focus to include Anita’s untold story.
Uncovering the Erased History
The novel cleverly intertwines Anita’s story with Raquel’s present-day journey, portraying how Anita subtly haunts Jack from beyond the grave. Throughout this ghostly interference, Raquel’s research brings Anita’s groundbreaking sculptures back into the spotlight. The dynamic between Raquel and Nick further reveals the microaggressions and control similar to those faced by Anita. Gonzalez uses this juxtaposition to boldly question the choices behind what is taught in art history and demands that the complete and honest story be revealed.
