This book recounts the events leading to the day of the final revival of the two rock singers Opal and Nev. It takes us through the life of both main characters along with others that play a role in their lives.
And their story was fascinating!!
The author did a great job with the characters in this story, especially Opal, this strong (badass) black woman. (I wished she was real!!)
And even though the book was full of characters, it is not confusing at all. With the writing style that was great. (interview style) Getting the point of view of different characters and having them tell their stories too was gripping.
Although the beginning was a bit slow-paced, and it took me a while to get into the book, but then I was not able to stop reading. And let us not forget about the ending which was really great ( in my opinion!!)
All in all this book is truly amazing and I would highly recommend reading it!!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheFinalRevivalofOpalNev #NetGalley

The Final Revival of Opal and Nev is like Daisy Jones and the Six that addresses social issues. Nev is a singer/songwriter from the UK, who comes to New York for a his big break. While he gets signed on a label, they set out to find a woman to be his counterpart, and boy do they find him a counterpart. Skinny, bald-headed black woman with a bigger attitude than her voice, Opal Jewel becomes his partner. But in their rise to fame and commitment to speaking out against social issues, Opal is reminded she pays a much higher price as an outspoken black woman. The struggles and consequences have repercussions for years to come.

I really loved how quickly the Final Revival of Opal and Nev sucked you in. I was so fascinated by the childhood of both perspectives - Nev with his devoted mother encouraging him to pursue his talents, and Opal with her mom, poor but supportive, and her sister constantly trying to proselytize. The storylines felt unique and genuine but included enough details that it was believable.

My favorite part of the book was the voice of each character - each character’s voice is so unique; even if I hadn’t read the character names above each paragraph to know who was speaking, I still would’ve been able to figure that out. Even though it was the same author writing all their parts throughout the book, it felt like a light switch between each person. This really added to the story.

I also really liked that this book addresses social issues that are still ongoing today, despite lots of anger and protests that it’s not. It’s an important message that still needs to be shared. I also loved the real-life references throughout the book, such as MAGA hats hahaha, and a few orange man references.

The only thing is I wish there would’ve been a bit more of an epilogue or wrap-up. Ending it where it did, with a bit of confusion and unresolved issues is frustrating after quite a bit of the book was focused on the issue being questioned and (attempted to) explore, but never answered.

ARC was provided by published via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Dawnie Walton and Simon&Schuster for the opportunity to read and review this book before publishing! The opinions in this review are my own, and spoiler alert, they’re all good.

Opal and Nev are a punk rock duo from the 70s, a British white man and American Black woman from Detroit. They make an unlikely pair and are struggling to find success before a horrible tragedy unfolds involving the death of a Black man, and later, a frightening allegation that threatens to tear apart the very basis of the pairs friendship and future.

Dawnie Walton wrote something so amazing and so REAL with this story. Opal absolutely came to life on the page, and so did Sunny. The themes (anti racism, feminism, police brutality, white supremacy, symbols and dog whistling, etc) are incredibly relevant and timely, and the reader got to follow the trajectory of many of these issues over multiple decades of Opal’s life. There’s no perfect character, they all are realistically flawed and prone to mistakes, even our two heroine’s of this tale. If you have the opportunity to read this book, certainly do so. It’s completely captivating and illuminating. I will recommend this to others frequently from here on out.

Sunny, a journalist and editor-in-chief for music magazine Aural, has been intrigued with Opal Jewel since she first found out about the relationship between Opal and Sunny’s late father, Jimmy. As part of the duo Opal & Nev, Opal Jewel was a powerhouse performer whose “big break” seemed to continuously evade her in one way or another. After the duo splits, Opal’s success appears marginal when compared with Nev’s, and as Sunny tells Opal’s story, she shows us some hard truths about the impact of systemic racism.

Though fictional, Walton tells some difficult and uncomfortable truths in this novel. If you finish this book and you aren’t angry, you didn’t read it well enough. Go back and do it again. And again. And again. Until you hear everything Walton is telling us. The book is excellent. Well-written. And heartbreakingly accurate. I won’t claim to understand because I absolutely do not and cannot understand, but I promise to pay attention. To see you. And to commit to always doing better.

Thank you so much to Dawnie Walton, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.

This book is definitely for fans of daisy jones and the six. However, instead of a fleetwood mac twist, i ended up with the ramones vibes due to the afropunk. The characters were so good! The plot was gripping. I hope this book gets a ton of hype. It's well deserved

It took me a while to figure out how I feel about this book. Overall, I liked it,  though at times I thought it went way too in depth and I got a little bored. It was hard to connect with any character, but the writing style and format was fantastic. I give this ⭐⭐⭐💫 If you're like me and wanted this to be the next Daisy Jones & The Six, you might be a little dissapointed

For fans of Daisy Jones & the Six, we have a new up and coming book you will love! The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is of the same oral history format, but turned up a notch. Based in the 70s, but a book relatable to this age as well. It was a good book and I enjoyed the historical and the musical aspect of it. I also enjoyed the protagonist and how she tied in to everything.

***Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an advanced copy of this book!

'The Final Revival of Opal And Nev' by Dawnie Walton tells the story of rock duo Opal and Nev.

The story is told as an oral history which allows us to piece the story together from various perspectives. From very different backgrounds the pair come together as Nev discovers Opal in a bar singing with her sister. Their story and rise to fame pivots on a performance which puts them on the same bill as a band using the confederate flag as a symbol of their own history. Opal's protest against everything the flag represents results in a riot and the death of her lover and her actions define the route of their lives thereafter. The oral history is gathered years later as a revival tour is being considered and it brings forth allegations which change the events as they were reported by witnesses at the time.

This book delivers powerful messages about racism and sexism and the impact of those who are complicit in or turn away from systematic discrimination. It's message on these issues is as relevant today as it would have been in the 1970's when much of the story takes place. I also felt it had much to say on ambition, success and integrity.

Opal's character carried the story. She is a strong Black woman making her way in an industry and society which oppresses her. Despite the challenges she faces and the insecurities these bring she is larger than life, fiercely independent, honest and real. The writing brings the story to life in such a way I felt like I was reading the biography of a real woman and band rather than a fictional account. The heavy themes of the story make uncomfortable reading at times but ultimately the story is enjoyable, hugely readable and absorbing.

I had been planning to pre-order this book for it's UK release on the 20th April but was luckily able to access an advance copy thanks to @netgalley and @quercusbook. It did not disappoint and I will be purchasing it on it's release.

I loved Daisy Jones and the Six, so I was a little skeptical of reading Opal and Nev. Let me tell you this book did not disappoint! This is so much more than a story about a musical duo. It is a story about of family, identity, and race written in Oral History form. As much as I loved Daisy Jones and the Six, I loved Opal and Nev more. I just wish Opal and Nev were not fictional.

Review: The Final Revival of Opal and Nev 3.5/5

The Final Revival of Opal and Nev chronicles a punk rock band’s rise to fame including all the highs and lows (and disappointment, racism, and tragedy) along the way. The story is told from several characters’ POVs in a journalist style narrative, tied together with notes from “the editor” (Sunny), who has an odd connection to the band’s lead singer and icon—Opal Jewel (this aspect of the story gave me serious 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes).

As the narrative unfolds, the dark truth behind the band’s history, and a cataclysmic and tragic riot during one of their live performances, comes to light. The plot is a great mix of historical fiction and present day reality, making the themes and struggles very relatable, or at least familiar, especially today.

What I liked:

*Journalist style narrative with snippets of interviews from each character; also the Editor’s Notes from Sunny

*The endnotes to each chapter—fascinating and so creative

*The connection between Sunny and Opal ... this gripped me from the start

What I disliked:

*I wish the book explored more of (or spent additional time on) Opal and Jimmy’s relationship before the riot

*A few parts in the middle dragged a bit and could have been shorter

Thanks to Simon Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC ... Publication date is March 30!

Art Imitates Life. The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is wrapped around a fictional 1970’s musical duo: Nev, a white British songwriter, and Opal, a Detroit-based artist, who at times appears to be ahead of her time with her Afro-punk stylings and progressive views. An editor (S. Sunny Sheldon) of a modern-day magazine opts to write an expose about the couple, their music, and their experiences in the music business. The reader quickly learns that Sunny has a vested interest in Opal which fuels a sort of mystery-solving vibe which propels the story.

The first third of the book moves a bit slowly; however, it's necessary - the main characters are fleshed out with backgrounds that feel organic, we see their insecurities, vulnerabilities, and it is easy to forget these are fictional characters. While I enjoyed the rise to stardom, there was a sense of dread (for me) knowing it would crash at some point -- especially when it is shaded by the politics and business practices of the day -- the overt racism, misogyny, and greed within the entertainment industry forces the reader to question how far we’ve evolved since that era.

There were quite a few characters to keep up with and the pacing was a bit slow in parts; however, I think a patient reader will be rewarded with this offering. This is a solid debut that left me with anticipation for the author’s next release.

4.5 --
Several chapters in and I could tell this book was gonna be great. The oral history format really works for me (and yes, this book reads, at first glance, similarly to Daisy Jones).

This book delivers everything you'd expect - the wild, cinematic frames of rock and roll, strong characters, the social commentary, and most surprisingly - suspense.

I loved and rooted for the women in this novel, Opal, Sunny, Corrine. There were times I wished we got to know Nev, but reminded myself that this is her story.

Thank you Simon & Schuster, Dawnie Walton & NetGalley for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I think this will be on a lot of people's favorites of 2021 lists!

Opal and Nev were a small rock band from the 70s who might have fallen away off everyones radars if not for one fateful performance that led to a clash of cultures and their drummer dead. Their drummers now grown up daughter is interviewing everyone involved in the start of Opal and Nev to find out the real story.

The oral history style works so well in this. The characters come to life so much, i found myself wanting to google them and forgetting I was reading a work of fiction. Dawnie Walton somehow keeps all of their voices so distinct and clear through her style and writing.

This was touted "for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six" and I can tell you, if you like the style of Daisy Jones, you will be so invested in this story. But this felt like so much more than Daisy Jones. This book took a deep dive into issues like racism that still impact society today and the author held nothing back. Although this is set in the 70s, it is insanely relevant for today. I loved her style, loved her writing and loved the characters.

Everyone should pick up a copy of this as soon as its published 3/31

I can’t remember the last time I completed a novel and just sat for a moment smiling, but the warmth and characters that flowed off these pages gave me an inside hug. Like Daisy Jones & the Six, Opal & Nev is an oral history about two musicians but it goes in depth in areas that DJ just couldn’t reach. I cannot believe this is Walton’s first novel. It is beautifully written, relevant in today’s current political climate and isn’t schmaltzy. My favorite part of the novel was the relationship between the author of the oral history, Sunny, and Opal Jewel, the subject- the queen bee. Opal had so many layers and dimensions as did Sunny. I highly recommend this book to music fans as well as fans who want to read from a Black perspective.

I am absolutely obsessed with this book. A new fan of the oral history style that I've seen so few books do, I knew I had to pick his up as soon as I saw it. I was drawn into the fictional history this book sets up for you immediately, and the characters just felt so REAL. I enjoyed this entirely and I can't wait for it's release and to get the audiobook and truly experience it all over again.

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is a compelling and provocative reflection on the history of fictional musical duo, Opal and Nev. Not just another 'sex, drugs & rock and roll' story, it also addresses racism, racial prejudice, sexism, feminism as well as ideologies during different time periods of the past fifty years.

Due to the oral history format and the fact that it's centred around music, this book is already being compared to Daisy Jones and the Six however I find it to be more reminiscent of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

It's the 1970s and British singer/songwriter Nev, with his fiery red hair is looking for a musical counterpart. The moment he meets Opal Jewel - a vibrant and bald black woman with a strong sense of social justice - he's as captivated by her as he is with his desire for fame.

Without getting into spoiler territory, this story shifts when a significant event results in the death of a character and we begin to question the motives of others.

While I loved the oral history formatting of this book, we also have intermittent editors notes as well as personal reflections from Sunny's character, which took me out of the story and slowed down the pacing. I think the story could have been stronger if it relied solely on the oral history formatting with perhaps an epilogue told by Sunny. Again, avoiding spoilers, I also would have loved a more concrete resolution and to see one of the characters face the consequences of their choices.

In saying that, Dawnie Walton created a truly believable piece of music history and Opal's dynamic character brought so much life to these pages! I loved Opal's friendship with Virgil LaFleur and the descriptions of Opal's wild and colourful ensembles.

Setting the 'present day' parts of the story in 2016 was very clever and worked well with the themes of the book. Similarly, the seamless medley of fictional and non-fictional historical events really brought more nuance to these more difficult issues and themes - an incredible and impressive debut novel!

The Final Revival of Opal and Nev is a a fascinating oral history style book about a fictional musical duo. I loved the way it was written, makes it feel like you are reading about real events, even though in the back of your mind you know it’s fiction. This book has been getting a lot of hype and I think it was well deserved! Wouldn’t be surprised to see this making the book club rounds this spring

I love the oral history format and it was perfect for this fictional story about a provocative, iconic, 1970's rock duo, told by the journalist daughter of Opal & Nev's drummer. It's a darker, grittier Daisy Jones & the Six with a serious racial message. The beginning is a bit of a slow build, but stick with it. The build really picks up and I was quickly engrossed. Walton uses an iconic photograph that took on a life of its own following a riot (in which Opal takes center stage) at a showcase by Opal & Nev's label to examine how many people dissect a provocative event in different ways and project deep meaning onto it...whether deserved or not. And, she uses it to tell the arc of Opal and Nev's tumultuous pairing. Opal is a singular, memorable character. She’s extremely provocative, yet also incredibly vulnerable.

As soon as I saw this book compared to Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, I knew I had to read it. While it is an oral history that includes sex, drugs, and rock and roll, it is important to note that this is not the same story as Daisy Jones. It is well done and completely stands on it’s own. I was entranced by the atmosphere the author created and I missed the charters when it ended. This one gets four stars from me. Thank you Netgalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!

Hard to believe this is a debut for this author. Written as an oral history of a fictional Afro punk rock n’ roll duo of the 70s, this story sucks you right in. A journalist, Sunny, leads this narrative and she is closely involved in Opal & Nev’s tragic past. Although similar to Daisy Jones & the Six in style, I found one big difference. Here the heroes and villains are very clear cut. Opal is an amazing character who practically leaps off the page. This is really her story for better or worse, a black woman navigating the music scene of the US and Europe in the 70s and beyond and the heartbreak and joy that goes with it. Thank you Net Galley and Simon & Shuster for this preview.