Book Review: Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Margo Jefferson
When I stumbled upon Anita de Monte Laughs Last, I was immediately intrigued by the premise—a haunting exploration of female rage, artistry, and the complex dynamics of power in relationships. Margo Jefferson has an uncanny knack for weaving intense emotions into her narratives, and I was captivated by her portrayal of a tragic figure like Ana Mendieta, and how her story illuminated Anita’s struggles.
Set against the backdrop of contemporary art and invoking themes of ghostly revenge, the story propels us through the lives of three compelling characters: Anita, Raquel, and Jack. Anita de Monte, a fierce artist energized by unresolved anger, embodies the very essence of frustration and desire for restitution. Her voice, especially as narrated in the audiobook, is raw and unfiltered. I felt her pain and her fiery determination practically leap from the speakers. Listeners—be warned—this intensity is something to relish, but the volume might just require a little adjustment!
The narrative’s dual timeline structure filled me with anticipation, contrasting the past when Anita was alive and vibrant, with the present where she exists as a ghost—a powerful metaphor for the erasure women artists often experience. Interspersed with Anita’s haunting perspectives are the more human and sometimes misguided views of Raquel and Jack.
Jack’s character, while brilliantly sinister, sometimes tiptoes into caricature territory. His villainy, ripe with classic tropes, was engaging yet felt occasionally overly dramatic. I found myself smiling at his monologuing antics, but I craved deeper complexities that would have rounded him out. Raquel’s struggles were poignant and reflective of many contemporary young women’s experiences. Her journey of self-discovery, marred by her cringe-inducing boyfriend Nick, elicited a visceral response from me. I was practically yelling at the pages (or, in my case, the speakers) as she lost her sense of self. The infamous haircut scene? Let’s just say I was ready to hurl my Kindle out of frustration!
Jefferson’s prose is lyrical, packed with potent imagery that evokes a boisterous world of art and emotion. I was particularly drawn to her exploration of how art both transcends and intertwines with personal identity. The way Anita’s "babies" (her art pieces) become symbols of her trapped spirit resonated deeply, revealing how critical it is for creative voices to be acknowledged.
In wrapping up my thoughts, Anita de Monte Laughs Last is not just a revenge narrative—it’s a profound meditation on identity, belonging, and the fierce reclamation of oneself in a world that too often silences the voices of women. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who finds resonance in contemporary art, enjoys tales of vengeance infused with a spectral touch, or seeks an honest portrayal of women grappling with societal expectations.
If you’re ready to delve into a tale that evokes both anger and empowerment, this one’s for you. Grab your copy, settle in, and let Anita’s indomitable spirit kindle a fire within you—Siri, play “Little Girl Gone” by Chinchilla, because it’s time for these stories to be heard. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to engage with such a powerful read!
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