Xochitl Gonzalez, author of the best-selling novels Olga Dies Dreaming and Anita de Monte Laughs Last, intentionally populates her stories with characters of color enjoying celebratory moments. Gonzalez, 48, recalled that even during difficult times in her childhood, her family prioritized festivities, a stark contrast to narratives that often focus solely on suffering.
Her most recent novel, Last Night in Brooklyn, published last year, is a reimagining of The Great Gatsby set in 2007 Brooklyn, just before widespread gentrification transformed the borough. The novel follows Alicia, a young woman seeking new experiences and connections in the city, particularly with her neighbor La Garza, a prominent fashion designer and host of extravagant parties. These gatherings introduce Alicia to a world of burgeoning Latino and Black creatives striving to establish themselves in a rapidly evolving environment.
Gonzalez, who is of Puerto Rican and Mexican American heritage and was raised by her maternal grandparents in Brooklyn, consistently explores themes of identity and culture in her work. Her deep affection for New York City is evident as her characters navigate self-discovery and belonging. She also considers the practicalities of her readers' lives, recognizing that accessible formats like portable books or well-produced audiobooks can influence engagement. "I’m making art that’s meant to be consumed, so I try to keep in mind the lives that people are living," she stated.
With a previous career spanning approximately 13 years as a wedding planner, Gonzalez gained considerable insight into human behavior and power dynamics through orchestrating events for diverse clients across New York. She transitioned to writing in her early 40s, channeling her extensive experiences into narratives about characters navigating societal challenges, privilege, race, and class. Her forthcoming nonfiction book, Need Blind: A Memoir of Class and Climbing in America, scheduled for release in 2027, will delve further into her personal journey. "I was able to take all of that time observing people and how things work," Gonzalez remarked. "Now, I can use it."