Xochitl Gonzalez’s latest work of fiction, “Last Night in Brooklyn” is an unconventional coming-of-age novel with a vibrant ensemble cast of characters. Led by its young narrator, Alicia and featuring the object of her gaze, the vivacious indie fashion designer La Garza, readers are taken into a fun and hip world that is as real and raw as it is somewhat glamorous. But make no mistake about it, Xochitl’s biggest star of the novel, as the title suggests, is Brooklyn, circa early to mid naughts, and its fast changing landscape due to aggressive gentrification. Alicia is a Brooklyn native, but from an “uncool” neighborhood deep in the borough. After college, an apartment share situation becomes available in the historically predominantly Black and definitely hip and more centrally located neighborhood of Ft. Greene.
After having her life seemingly mapped out for her by her mother and family traditions (college, marriage, children), Alicia’s new post-graduate life away from those expectations, her old hood and her Connecticut-based fiancé, becomes a welcome relief. It is in Brooklyn that Alicia makes new, interesting friends who are either embarking on corporate careers, or others pursuing artistic endeavors. Whether professional or creative, they are all young, or young-at-heart, and full of hope in a post 9-11 world and on the verge of electing either the country’s first Black or female president. To Alicia, no one personifies the allure of this period and place than her enigmatic fashion designer neighbor, La Garza. She’s both sophisticated and grounded; worldly and a die-hard local. As a confident, stylish diva known for hosting the best parties, everyone wants to be known by her and invited in.
Upon receiving her first official invite to a La Garza party, she jumps at the chance to attend, making an excuse to ditch yet another weekend in Connecticut with her fiancee. That decision and that glamorous party sets off a series of pivotal events and social connections, for our protagonist. Not only does she become part of La Garza’s inner circle, she also reconnects with her cousin and his wife and discovers friends and loves. Through it all, the reader is given not only vivid descriptions of well-drawn characters while being dropped in the specific not so long ago time period of the naughts. Think Obama, Clinton, Trayvon Martin, smart phones, post 9-11 and the fiscal crisis of 2008. Just as importantly, there is a strong sense of place in and around the Brooklyn neighborhoods that make up Alicia’s world. This includes the clubs, the bodegas, the tree-lined streets of brownstone apartments and developing downtown and hi-rise buildings erecting.
The novel manages to be both fast paced and entertaining as well as literary and poignant. Thematically, Xochitl juggles a lot while deftly focusing on what matters most to story and reader: Friendships realized and compromised, ambition versus loyalty and a city in transition. It’s appropriately described as being inspired by “The Great Gatsby.” Instead of a homogeneous cast of characters, Xochitl imbues the story with diversity, color and freshness. “Last Night in Brooklyn” is undoubtedly her love letter to her hometown. We’re the lucky ones that get to read it.
