The Final Revival of Opal & Nev
Books | Fiction / Literary
4
(304)
Dawnie Walton
A JIMMY FALLON TONIGHT SHOW SUMMER READS SELECTION An electrifying novel about the meteoric rise of an iconic interracial rock duo in the 1970s, their sensational breakup, and the dark secrets unearthed when they try to reunite decades later for one last tour. A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BUZZ PICK NAMED A BEST BOOK OF 2021 BY ESQUIRE AND ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY NAMED A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2021 BY * OPRAH DAILY * VOGUE * ELLE * THE WASHINGTON POST * ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY * ESSENCE * POPSUGAR * BOOKRIOT * GOODREADS * LITERARY HUB * PARADE * MS. MAGAZINE * THE MILLIONS * “Feels truer and more mesmerizing than some true stories. It’s a packed time capsule that doubles as a stick of dynamite.” —THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEWOpal is a fiercely independent young woman pushing against the grain in her style and attitude, Afro-punk before that term existed. Coming of age in Detroit, she can’t imagine settling for a 9-to-5 job—despite her unusual looks, Opal believes she can be a star. So when the aspiring British singer/songwriter Neville Charles discovers her at a bar’s amateur night, she takes him up on his offer to make rock music together for the fledgling Rivington Records. In early seventies New York City, just as she’s finding her niche as part of a flamboyant and funky creative scene, a rival band signed to her label brandishes a Confederate flag at a promotional concert. Opal’s bold protest and the violence that ensues set off a chain of events that will not only change the lives of those she loves, but also be a deadly reminder that repercussions are always harsher for women, especially black women, who dare to speak their truth. Decades later, as Opal considers a 2016 reunion with Nev, music journalist S. Sunny Shelton seizes the chance to curate an oral history about her idols. Sunny thought she knew most of the stories leading up to the cult duo’s most politicized chapter. But as her interviews dig deeper, a nasty new allegation from an unexpected source threatens to blow up everything. Provocative and chilling, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev features a backup chorus of unforgettable voices, a heroine the likes of which we’ve not seen in storytelling, and a daring structure, and introduces a bold new voice in contemporary fiction.
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More Details:
Author
Dawnie Walton
Pages
368
Publisher
Simon and Schuster
Published Date
2021-03-30
ISBN
198217272X 9781982172725
Ratings
Google: 5
Community ReviewsSee all
" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/4 I wish Opal really existed. This is a story I could imagine actually happening in the 70s and I would have been totally into it. A mix of music, culture, feminism, race, racism and the bold, audacious and flawed woman who navigates it all. I loved how it came full circle to present times illuminating how the past is never really in the past nor should it be expected to. Some similarities to Daisy Jones but this is not that story. My only quibbles were it was a little longer than needed and took a bit to get into. But once the story got going I was completely invested. "
Sher Free✌️
"I had a hard time getting invested in this one. It was slower-paced, and a little more dry than I was expecting."
Emily
"I rated this five stars because I think the writing and the story line earns it but for me it was honestly probably more like a three. I say this only because I recently read Daisy Jones and that stuck in my head and prevented me from going into this book with a clean slate."
J w
Jfly winslow
"Even though this was done with a full-cast, which is perfect for this mockumentary, I had a hard time keeping the characters straight, which sometimes caused me to loose the plot line."
Ricki Marking-Camuto
"This sentiment had been reiterated a few times in other reviews for this book, but it bears repeating: yes, this format is similar to Daisy Jones and the Six, the wildly popular Taylor Jenkins Reid novel that is now a Amazon Prime TV show. Yes, you should still read that book (ideally first) because in my option it is a very entertaining historical novel examining our obsessiveness with those we idolize in music and the price of fame.<br/><br/>But while the comparisons between Opal and Nev and The Six are valid, this book levels up the conversation in ways that I feel are more important in a historical lens, and shines a light on aspects that The Six cannot. Here we have real stakes at play; we’re talking about racial tensions that are still playing out live in the 2020s, despite the 1970s setting of this novel. There are direct lines of sight to what was done then to what’s happening now, and like any historical event, if we’re empathetic enough to shift our worldview and take into account the horrors of years past, we can help influence a world that can prevent it from reoccurring again and again.<br/><br/>But enough of the broader scope, let’s talk about the story! Opal is an icon; her voice is unique yet relatable enough that readers should connect to what she feels, despite her literally being a rock star. There’s drama (because what’s a good story without some!), and the framing of the “tell all” is cleverly done. I really enjoyed all of this, and I hope people can recognize this is not another Daisy Jones; it’s bigger than that, and deserves to stand without constant comparison. I hope readers can take as much as I have from this book, and I hope we see more from the author after this spectacular debut!"
A P
Allie Peduto
"It is one of the best books I have ever read. It is uniquely written and very descriptive. I appreciated the immersive nature of the story-telling."
R W
Raashid Williams
"I can't wait to read this one! "
Becca Taylor
"A little slow to start, but finished strong and engaging. Not as light hearted as Daisy and the Six like I was hoping for."
Jessica A
"This was such a good read for me. The themes are handled really deftly and the characters and situations feel true to life. The characters and their moment in time are integrated into the real historical context in a way that feels organic. I'd wondered how interesting the book would be to read when it's leading up to an event you already know will happen but it really works."
a
awesome_user_984860
"I enjoyed this book a lot. I struggled with the style a bit , and the 360 pages felt very very long at times. Overall I really liked the message and the ending."
Jordan Counihan
