Anita de Monte Laughs Last

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of emotional abuse, physical abuse, and disordered eating

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Gonzalez alternates between Anita, Jack, and Raquel’s perspectives throughout the novel. How effective did you find this narrative structure in revealing their different experiences? Does this technique remind you of González’s first novel, Olga Dies Dreaming, in how it balances multiple viewpoints?

2. The novel presents two conflicting views about art: John Temple believes that “identity and art do not mix,” while Anita insists that art and identity are inseparable. Which perspective do you find more convincing based on the characters’ artistic creations and why?

3. Which character’s journey resonated with you most deeply? What specific moments in their storyline created the strongest emotional impact?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Raquel observes that at Brown, she will “always be an Other in this place” (18). When have you experienced being an “outsider” in an environment? How did you navigate that experience compared to Raquel’s approach?

2. Nick’s controlling behavior begins with seemingly generous gifts of clothing and advice about Raquel’s appearance. What subtle warning signs of toxic relationships does the novel highlight that might be mistaken for care or attentiveness?

3. Anita creates art deeply connected to her Cuban identity and spiritual traditions, while Raquel realizes that her taste in art has been dictated by a white, male gaze. How has your cultural background influenced your appreciation of art? Have you experienced a shift in perspective similar to Raquel’s?

4. Belinda Kim introduces Raquel to Anita’s work when Professor Temple never mentioned it, changing Raquel’s academic trajectory. How has a mentor or guide helped you discover something that altered your perspective or direction in a meaningful way?

5. When Raquel’s family meets Nick, she observes the stark contrast between his wealthy but cold family and her less affluent but loving one. How does this portrayal of contrasting family values relate to your own understanding of what creates true support?

6. Raquel eventually rejects the white beauty standards that led her to disordered eating and conforming her appearance to Nick’s preferences. What societal expectations have you questioned in your own life? What prompted that change?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Through Jack and Tilly’s efforts to suppress Anita’s art after her death, González illustrates how women of color are erased from cultural narratives. What contemporary examples of artistic or historical erasure and recovery share similarities with Anita’s fictional story?

2. Nick’s parents view themselves as progressive while making comments about Raquel being in a position to appreciate opportunities. How does the novel illuminate the subtleties of class-based prejudice, and where do you see similar dynamics today?

3. The novel frequently refers to tensions between “first world” and “third world” sensibilities in how art is valued. How does González use this dated terminology to critique continuing forms of cultural imperialism in the art world?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. How does Gonzalez use the parallel relationships of Anita/Jack and Raquel/Nick to develop her theme about toxic masculinity? What specific behaviors recur across these relationships?

2. Anita’s ghost narrates from beyond the grave and intervenes in the living world by haunting Jack and altering his artwork. How does this supernatural element strengthen the novel’s themes about legacy, memory, and artistic influence?

3. Raquel’s hair symbolizes her identity, particularly when Nick cuts it without her permission. What other symbols in the novel contribute to its understanding of cultural identity and belonging?

4. The novel’s dual timeline structure, shifting between the 1980s and late 1990s, reveals persistent challenges for women of color in predominantly white spaces. What specific parallels between Anita and Raquel’s experiences highlight these continuing struggles?

5. How does Raquel’s discovery of Anita de Monte’s work catalyze her personal and professional transformation? What key moments mark her evolution from someone trying to assimilate to someone embracing her authentic identity?

6. When Anita’s spirit ultimately decides to stop haunting Jack and lays her anger to rest, what statement is Gonzalez making about justice, healing, and the power of reclaiming forgotten narratives?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The novel describes Anita’s artworks using natural materials to create female silhouettes. Which artwork described in the book captured your imagination most vividly? How would you interpret it based on the themes of the novel?

2. You are curating an exhibition featuring both Jack Martin and Anita de Monte’s work. How would you organize this exhibition? Write a short curatorial statement explaining your point of view.

3. Raquel’s mother immediately notices Raquel’s weight loss and changed appearance when she visits. Write a brief journal entry from her point of view that describes her perception of Raquel and Nick’s relationship. 

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