{Thank you to Simon & Schuster for my gifted copy}
The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Book Summary:
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. Opal 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.
Publication Date:
March 30th, 2021
Genre:
Contemporary Life Fiction
Read Your Copy:
Amazon Link | LibroFM Bookstore Link
My Review:
The Final Revival of Opal and Nev has been recommended for fans of Daisy Jones and The Six (this is a kindle book deal as of 4.28.21!) because they are both an oral history of fictional rock bands but I think I enjoyed this one even more!
One of my favorite parts of this book is the heavier hitting topics mixed in. Opal and Nev is packed with social commentary and so many thought-provoking and timely topics such as racism, feminism, sexism, and more. The writing is amazing, especially as this is the debut novel by @dawniewalton! 
I highly recommend adding this one to your spring reading list! And I would love to hear your thoughts if you have read it!
Disclosure: Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission that helps support this blog at no cost to you. Thank you!
