The Final Revival of Opal & Nev
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3.9 • 124 Ratings
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
An electrifying and "provocative, rich, and assured" (Vogue) debut 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 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.
A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BUZZ PICK * NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY BARACK OBAMA * THE WASHINGTON POST * NPR * ESQUIRE * ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY * GOODREADS * THE MILLIONS * READER’S DIGEST * PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER * CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Dawnie Walton’s electrifying debut novel is a fictional oral history of a groundbreaking rock duo whose infamous 1971 performance was disrupted by a racially motivated riot. After the pair part ways, a writer digs into the story of why British singer-songwriter Nev Charles went on to enjoy a hugely successful career while his magnetic and supremely talented Black collaborator, Opal Jewel, faded into obscurity. Walton’s tale bursts with such ripe detail–from Opal’s iconic ensembles to gossipy run-ins with real-life celebrities–that we were desperate to give the imaginary duo’s albums a spin. Drawing on all-too-familiar current events to prove that the past is never truly behind us, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is as thought-provoking as it is a through-and-through pleasure.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Walton's spectacular debut pulls off a polyphonic oral history of a fictional proto-Afro-punk performer and her white musical partner. The novel begins with the sensational origin story of unlikely duo Opal & Nev, described by magazine editor S. Sunny Curtis in 2017 as the "progenitors of dissidence and dissonance." After Opal Jewel arrives in New York City from Detroit in 1970, where she'd been an outcast for her radical politics, fashion, and musical style, she meets "goofy white English boy" Nev Charles, a songwriter from Birmingham, at an open mic. Nev is impressed by her performance, and the two team up to produce a phenomenally successful sound. Their star quickly rises, but after a photo appears in 1971 showing Opal blanketed in a Confederate flag as Nev carries her away from a gig turned riot, their career flames out in controversy. The novel's diverse group of voices are cobbled together by Curtis as she searches for the truth behind the iconic "picture of chaos." The story is also personal for Curtis her father, a drummer, had been having an affair with Opal, and he was killed in the melee. The novel is bookended by an equally violent reunion that confirms a shocking secret, and Opal proves herself the champion of the "marginalized, bullied, discriminated against." Walton pumps up the volume with a fresh angle on systemic racism and freedom of expression. This is a firecracker.
Customer Reviews
Outstanding
This book is a masterpiece. I graduated from high school the same year as Opal and the author captured the era masterfully. I loved the interplay of fictional and real characters. Would someone please make this into a movie so that I can see Opal, Nev, James and all the other characters. I need to hear the music and see the fashion.
Best book I’ve read in a long time
This wonderfully written tome walks the reader along in true narrative fashion that is current and moves like a documentary. I could see the film reeling out before me as the story unfolded in sweet, jarring and sometimes terrifying fashion. If books were good, this is pot roast, potatoes, gravy and buttered biscuits. Trust me, you will mop the plate clean.
Absolutely Loved It
Once I got into it, and I mean really got into it, I could not put it down. At its most basic, the book tells the story of Opal and Nev, a rock duo that is gearing up for a showcase, and the aftermath of what happens that night. This work draws parallels between experiences with racism, colorism, feminism historically and currently proving the old adage true again, the more things change, the more they stay the same.