The Final Revival of Opal & Nev ⭑⭑⭑⭑
Genre: Literary Fiction
US Publication: March 30, 2021
Print: 368 pages
Audio: 13 hours 17 minutes
Confetti Rating: 4 stars
REVIEW:
I thought The Final Revival of Opal and Nev would be a love story. It is, but not the one I expected. Opal and Nev aren’t romantically involved, but rather partners in a famous, fictional rock duo.
So where’s the love? It’s between readers and music, the 1970s, the fight against racism, and author Dawnie Walton’s skillful words.
The structure of Walton’s novel is, well… novel. The duo’s story is revealed through a series of interviews and articles rather than as a linear narrative. It’s almost like a transcript of a lengthy “Behind the Music” episode, which will work for many readers but might feel choppy to others.
Given the oral history technique, audiobook listeners will want to take note. Those who choose the audio format will be treated to a full cast of narrators that bring the documentary-style story to life.
Want to immerse yourself in the world of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll for a few hours? This Opal is a gem.
My thanks to Dawnie Walton and Simon and Schuster for the gifted review copy via NetGalley. The Final Revival of Opal and Nev is now available.
PUBLISHER SYNOPSIS:
A poignant fictional oral history of the beloved rock ‘n’ roll duo who shot to fame in the 1970s New York, and the dark, fraught secret that lies at the peak of their stardom.
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.