I truly enjoyed this book. 

González masterfully explores the intersection of art, identity, and systemic oppression through the intertwined stories of two Latina artists, Anita de Monte (Cuban) and Raquel Toro (Puerto Rican). Set in different decades, their struggles reveal the unsurprising racism, misogyny, and white privilege that lives, not only in the art world, but also in their personal relationships. 

The book's first half feels a bit tedious but, after the second half, this serves the narrative. It blends ghostly horror, humor, heavy social commentary, heartbreak, and a touch of magical realism. The characters are very unlikable, but I think this makes the story more human; reflecting the complexities of toxic relationships and the challenges of navigating oppressive systems in personal spaces. 

As a Puerto Rican, I LOVED González's inclusion of Taino and Yoruba spirituality. It adds richness to the story, highlighting our cultural heritage, which is often overlooked. 

The only criticism I have is how the book’s inspiration came from real-life Cuban-American artist Ana Mendieta, and I would've liked for González to (at least) mention her as inspiration in the Acknowledgements section, instead of saying it on interviews. This raises ethical concerns about consent and representation, which (ironically) are the very themes of erasure her book critiques.

Other than that, this haunting and thought-provoking novel is a powerful commentary on who controls narratives in art and society, and who gets forgotten. What it takes to be accepted, and what it takes to be liberated.