Because Summer Reading 2025’s theme is “Color Our World,” for July’s First Thursday Book Discussion I aimed to select a book that revolves around art and artists. As I was searching through options, “Anita de Monte Laughs Last” jumped out at me and seemed to be a perfect pick. Trust me, it doesn’t disappoint!
The novel shifts back and forth between 1985, when artist Anita de Monte is found dead in New York City, and 1998, when art history student Raquel Toro discovers Anita’s forgotten work while at Brown University. The two characters share some key similarities: Both are Latina women in the art world (the one experienced and the other just starting out), and both are involved in relationships of like dynamics with white, privileged male artists.
“Anita de Monte Laughs Last” examines a recurring theme in literature, film, and life: When one star rises, another might fall, with men often subjugating women, and white people often diminishing people of color. Told from multiple perspectives, the book addresses power, elite institutions, relationships, racism, and misogyny.
Interestingly, the book mirrors the real-life story of Cuban-American artist Ana Mendieta, who fell from her 34th-floor apartment in 1985. In one of the biggest art world scandals, Mendieta’s husband Carl Andre was charged with her murder. While author Xochitl Gonzalez does acknowledge Mendieta in her dedication of “Anita de Monte Laughs Last,” apparently she did not contact Mendieta’s estate before writing and selling this book.
Additionally, at Amazon MGM Studios America Ferrera is producing an adaptation of Robert Katz’s 1990 “Naked by the Window,” which details Mendieta’s life and the murder trial. In these two instances as well as others, Raquel Mendieta, Ana Mendieta’s niece and estate representative, maintains that while the estate is receptive to collaborations, she–somewhat ironically–wants a seat at the table.
To discuss this book and its many issues, join us on Thursday, July 3 at noon in the Children’s Program Room at the Columbia Public Library. Further, as part of the adult summer reading program, we invite you to read three books, write three corresponding book reviews, and complete seven activities. Please feel free to include “Anita de Monte Laughs Last” as one of your three selections.
