The Final Revival of Opal & Nev (Unabridged)
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4.0 • 41 Ratings
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- $22.99
Publisher Description
2022 FICTION AUDIE AWARD WINNER!
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 BARACK OBAMA * THE WASHINGTON POST * NPR * ESQUIRE * ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY * GOODREADS * THE MILLIONS * READER’S DIGEST * PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER * EERIE READER * PUBLIC RADIO TULSA * CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY * KIRKUS REVIEWS
“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 REVIEW
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.
Customer Reviews
Fun & Deep
You know it’s good, when you get the urge to Google the MC like they’re a real person even if you know it’s fiction.
This book was made available to me on Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
I can see, hear & feel Opal through the pages. She comes alive through words, you don’t even realize you’re reading.
I do have a soft spot for musician/band biopics & this is definitely biopic like.
So I was likely to enjoy the book to some extent either way.
The social issues are addressed well, with the complexity & gray areas included.
I didn’t notice the writing, which is a sign it did it’s job.
As a BIPOC dealing with the generational wounds of racism in the US, this book had healing qualities.
We are living in a time when those infected wounds have been opened wider.
Works like these help cleanse the wounds in hopes they can heal cleanly.
Overall, a. enjoyable smart book that has both amusement & depth.