This is an amazing debut novel that hits on some hard issues and it's one of those books that sticks with you. Loved this book and definitely recommend it!

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is the debut novel by Dawnie Walton following the lives of the 1970s “rock n roll” duo Opal Jewel and Nev Charles. While there are Daisy Jones and the Sic vibes, Opal and Nev is a story with much more depth, historical context and emotion.

Told by the daughter of a former band member of Opal and Nev, lends an outside perspective into the duos rise and falls and everything in between. Once you learn of the narrator’s connection to the band, especially Opal, you are able to emotionally connect to the story. Until Daisy Jones, Opal and Nev has many layers since we are able to read the editor’s notes on the interview process as well as her take on events that transpired.

While Opal and Nev is a great story, it was one that I kept walking away from and forcing myself to return to. For me, this book was not unputdownable and I struggled to get through many sections, not because of the story line, but perhaps the way it was written. I definitely cannot put my finger on what exactly allowed me to put this book down so many times but ultimately, I am glad that I pushed through to the end because Opal and Nev is a story that should not be passed up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an advanced copy of this book.

Sunny Shelton is a young journalist that is trying to reconstruct the true story of the 60's afro punk diva Opal and her music partner Nev, who gained notoriety due to a violent night in which Sunny's father (the band's drummer) was brutally killed. She interviews all the living members of the band and other interesting characters, and in doing so, she uncovers a dark little secret about that tragic night of Rivington Showcase.

The book is very similar to Daisy Jones and the Six. It is also structured as an oral reccount of the things that happened but this book also have a lot of foot notes and editor notes. In my opinion, that wasn't a good idea. I'm not very fond of footnotes, and when you are engaged in the narrative, these notes can be extremely disruptive. At one point, I started to skiping them. I understand that is a fiction book that reads as a non fictional piece, but it is still fiction and I want it to feel like it. I think that the characters pay the price of it all. They are interesting, at least most of them, but they are interrupted and this prevents the reader from engaging with them in a more emotional level.
There is no doubt that is a great debut novel though. Dawnie Walton knows how to write indeed.
I thought that I was going to love it. But sadly I didn't.

“People are real sometimey.” (Opal Jewel/Opal Robinson, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, Dawnie Walton) This quote, it struck me as a way to really sum up the main themes of the oral history, if not the fuller book (the story of the oral history). We often take what we want from people, make memes and GIFs, we see people use others garner fame or see how we expect people to behave in ways for us without allowing them to be complicated people, some claim ownership of a fandom and then move on to the next thing and then…while we wait for the revival or reboot so that we can reclaim a person, people, or event for ourselves once more. These are to me big themes and ideas captured thoughtfully in The Final Revival of Opal & Nev.

I loved this fictional oral history, it was captivating, grounded in wonderful and at times surprising ways with actual events and real people (e.g., faux interviews with real people) and as many will say, timely in ways that are frustrating and very real. People will want to say if you liked Daisy Jones and The Six** then you will like this… that may be true but for me they are very different in terms of story, narrative goals, and focus. This book was big and dealt with topics on race and gender and Black lives in important ways; Daisy Jones was more internal, more focused on the story of the band and didn’t have the same tension and epic feeling that Opal & Nev did, though I recommend both books.

This book impressed me by the tension built throughout, surprising for an oral history as you were of course supposed to “know what had happened” and yet waiting for the event with Jimmy Curtis’ death was for me filled with strong development of how that night felt. How I wish there were generated photos that were in this book as there would be with a real oral history, I felt I needed to see the photo(s) and images discussed to better see the tension, events talked about. There was similar tension near the end of the book, waiting to understand how the author would circle back to that event and also bring it into 2016. I felt that the author allowed the reader to understand on their own the importance of the story, of Opal alone and Opal & Nev as a duo, and to appreciate the points, both obvious and yet nuanced, about how this country has and continues to dismiss and hurt and undervalue Black women. The points were more powerful for not being overexplained.

This book did not disappoint! It was marketed as similar to Daisy Jones and the Six, which is true in the format but different in a lot of other ways. Set up in an oral history format, this book follows the rise of rock duo, Opal and Nev and the impact they had on history. The author tackles tough issues and Opal and Nev to shine a light on politics, racism, sexism, and other important topics.

I loved Opal, she was such a strong and complex character. I loved everything about her: her flaws, her insecurities, her colorful, avant-garde wardrobe. Nev was a bit ambiguous to me. I feel like since his interview time in the book was relatively short I didn't fully understand him except through Opal's eyes. I know that the goal was to focus more on Opal but I would have loved a bit more insight into Nev.
My only other complaint is the editors notes that were throughout the book. These gave us a look into Sunny's story and process of documenting Opal and Nev's career. On the flip side, these breaks took us out Opal's story and it was a bit jarring at times and I felt myself wanting to skim those parts to get back to the rock and roll.

Overall, a successful, thought provoking, and entertaining debut!
Thank you to NetGally and Simon and Schuster for an ARC of this book.

Straight up: Yes this is very similar to Daisy Jones & the Six, taking on almost an identical interview-style format and plot set up. Is this Daisy Jones & the Six? Not at all. Opal & Nev takes us on a deeper and, oftentimes, uncomfortable journey as Walton expertly navigates a story exposing systemic racism in North America - paralleling the problems of the past and the almost unchanged same discriminations and inequalities of today. She unflinchingly discusses and seamlessly melds the racial tension conversations of then & now with a scalpel precise narrative and complete, detailed historical fact. More so, she writes one compulsively readable story to surround it that held me breathlessly captivated and immersed in the narrative.

Opal Jewel is such a fabulously flawed character - selfish, demanding, unfailingly honest, and unapologetically herself - she simply leaps off the page with her fiery passion and anger. It’s contagious. But while the pulse of this story is angering and upsetting at the injustice of it all - I came away with a feeling of hope. As long as women of colour continue to be given the microphone and pen their stories we can continue the fight towards racial equality. I was simply captivated and won’t soon forget this fabulous debut.

I was first introduced to this oral history format via Daisy Jones and the Six. I listened to Daisy Jones & the Six via audiobook, as I had been urged to listen to the audio. I wasn’t sure if I would struggle with reading this book, since I was so used to the audio format for this type of book. I’m not sure if it was the excellent writing, fully developed characters, or the fact that I was already familiar with the format, but I really enjoyed reading this book. What a remarkable debut from an author I’m sure we will see great things from in the years to come.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I was a little skeptical when I heard everyone saying this book is a read-alike to Daisy Jones & the Six (which I loved). And it is true that it is also written as an oral history of a musical act. That's really where the comparison ends because The Final Revival of Opal & Nev more than stands on its own. It takes the story to another level by addressing the inequality of races and sexes then and now. Throughout the book, Walton throws in little twists and turns that keep the reader guessing about what really happened and whether a "final revival" will really happen. Although I know nothing about the music industry, the storyline seemed so realistic at how different people were treated through the years. And by the last part of the book, I could see where it was heading and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the resolution/conclusion! I wholeheartedly recommend this book, especially for those who liked the oral history format of Daisy Jones & the Six.

I am a fan of music biographies, and I really enjoyed this fictional biography of Opal and Nev, a black American woman, and a white British man with dreams of musical stardom.

Told interview style by the daughter of a session drummer who worked with the duo and was having an affair with Opal, the book is an interesting pictures of the early 1970s in music and America. I really enjoyed the authors style, which made me feel as a reader that I was there.

I will be recommending this book.

One of my biggest pet peeves in books (or movies, etc) is when the book breaks its own rules. This book is formatted and (sometimes) narrated as if it were an interview-style rock tell-all (see: Daisy Jones and the Six). But, at various points, the book breaks the fourth wall, without a wink, and just straight narrates what’s happening with the tell-all’s author, making it a mixed up mess of tell-all and narrative about how the tell-all came to be. The result is confused and confusing. Because, if a book can’t even follow the rules it sets for itself, you know there are other problems (and there are).

Other problems include, but are not limited to: the tell-all’s author being a rock mag editor-in-chief but only ever referencing the most well-known acts, never a lesser-known, more cool band (even a fictional one); same author being ridiculously naive about how the industry and fame works despite being an editor-in-chief (also, a lack of hyphens in that phrase in the book); a weird fictionalized version of Altamont that loses heft because of it’s obviousness; and a completely uncompelling musical act at the center.

All of this is a major shame because I was totally on board for a Black Daisy Jones and the Six. I didn’t need originality, but I needed cohesion.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the digital ARC. The book is out on March 30, 2021.

I love a good debut novel but this one topped Daisy Jones & the Six! It’s not often that I can read about some of the heavy things tucked into this book without it slowing me down but the plot of #TheFinalRevivalOfOpalandNev really carried me through this one! I loved this fresh take on oppression, systemic racism, sexism, and finding your voice. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5! Must read!

Welcome to the 1960-70s rock n roll scene: Motown in the motor city, freedom riders in Birmingham, and the misfit musical duo of Opal & Nev in NYC. Opal Jewel is a fierce Black performer from Detroit. Nev Charles is an aspiring singer/songwriter from across the pond. An unlikely pair, the duo created music that challenged the cultural landscape of the times. When the undercurrent of racism finally erupts at a concert, Opal’s bold protests set off a chain of events that will alter the course of many lives.

This debut novel was excellent. The structure is a compelling oral history that reads like a VHI Behind the Music mixed with poignant social commentary. Dawnie Walton created an incredibly visceral story that made me question if these events actually happened. The writing elicited a strong sense of place; I could see Opal’s vibrant outfits as she strutted across the stage, and I felt the rhythm of the politically charged songs.

The story sheds an unflinching light on who holds power in culture, and who society deems appropriate to challenge the status quo. Sadly, the inciting event resulting in the fatality of a Black man could easily have happened in the 1970s or be a viral news story today. The story made me question how much progress we have truly made in the ongoing fight for a “post-racial” society. Readers who adored Daisy Jones and The Six may enjoy the oral history structure in Opal & Nev, but be prepared to tackle some hefty yet important issues.

4.5 stars rounded up!

A big thank you to netgalley and 37ink for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fans of Daisy Jones and the Six will enjoy this similarly structured novel set in the music industry. Walton does a great job of bringing 1970s New York to life, and Opal Jewel is an engaging character to follow. The pacing of the story seems, off, though; readers spend so much time working up to the pivotal Rivington Showcase that the rest of Opal's story (and, less so, Nev's) seems rushed. I appreciate how the narrator's story is interwoven with Opal's, but sometimes it's distracting.

Wow.

I utterly loved the characterisation with this. Opal and Nev felt *alive* and the story of their rise to fame was gripping. The start of the 'problems' quickly escalate and boy did I feel for them.
The fiction interspersed with the editor's notes was fascinating and gave this book a great educational feel to it without being patronising. The author wants us to understand but also wants us to learn at our pace and form our own opinions - I respect this, hugely.

The writing was taut but evocative, and I'll absolutely read something by Dawnie again.

A solid 4 stars

It's like Dawnie Walton had a crystal ball to foresee the racial tensions that plague our world in 2021. Although The Final Revival of Opal and Nev spans almost fifty years, sadly not much has changed. Make no mistake, this is a commanding, and likely to be controversial, book. Miss Walton uses "documentary" style writing for The Final Revival of Opal and Nev. It's a mesmerizing mix of fact and fiction-you'll find yourself frantically googling 70's and 80's bands, rockers, and music executives to separate the two. The Final Revival of Opal and Nev has one shortcoming-it sometimes tries too hard to get us into the character's heads. But this is a small price to pay for a novel that is bold and groundbreaking. The "story within a story" format can be intimidating-just go with the flow and let the words lead you. It may be The Final Revival of Opal and Nev, but let's hope this is not the last we hear from Dawnie Walton. She has a powerful voice that demands to be heard, and hopefully her novel will be a catalyst for much needed change.

Definitely understand the comparisons to Daisy Jones & The Six, but I appreciated how this book delved more deeply into social issues. The writing style was engaging and I enjoyed both Opal and Nev's stories, though the pacing seemed to slow near the middle, challenging to keep my interest. A part of me expected the confrontation/revelation during the final performance to pack a bit more emotional punch, but I understand most things in life don't get packaged neatly. If I were allowed half stars, I would have rated this one 3.5 stars.

What a phenomenal debut from Dawnie Walton!

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev tells the story of a musical rock duo who rose to fame after a tragic incident took place in the middle of their performance.

As much as this book is a story about music in the 70s and what it's like to be artists struggling to build a name in the music industry, this is also a story that centers around racism and antiblack hate crimes. The thing that makes this book so impactful is because of its relevance to the past and present racisms that Black people in America go through. Some parts were difficult to read because, though we know that this book may be fictional, it is still a reality for all Black people. The themes surrounding this book are very timely and pertinent to this day. It brings upon the discussion that racism is as prevalent in the past as it is today. And though it does not end in a revolutionary happily ever after where all the bad guys are defeated, the two main female characters are given excellent and realistic developments and personal closures when the story finishes, which gives the readers a sense of satisfaction.

Moreover, the book introduces to us two important characters-- Nev, a British man; and Opal, an African-American woman, but the story is not commanded by the cisgendered white man. Instead, Opal takes the spotlight of the book. She is bold and unapologetic. She demands to be heard even when she is silenced. She is the unforgettable voice of the story. When this book comes out, I am certain that Opal Jewel will be loved and admired by so many.

In terms of the writing style, I initially thought that it was going to be difficult to connect to the protagonists just because that is an issue that I have had in the previous book that I read with the same oral history format, but I think that Walton adding the insights of the supposed writer of the book really made it easier for me to feel an emotional attachment to the characters. In addition to that, the characters themselves were really fleshed out and had clear, distinctive voices.

Overall, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is an excellent and well written debut novel and I am certain that this will be a story that is going to stay with me always.

I had to continually remind myself this was fiction, not a true story. The writing style was great, unique from what I’ve previously read. I was completely drawn into each interview, the author captures each character’s views so authentically.

It's hard to believe that The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is fictional, and a debut novel to boot! The writing is absolutely stunning, and Dawnie Walton has created characters who feel so authentic that it's hard to remember they're not real people. I especially enjoyed reading the background stories of both main characters, from Opal's early life in Detroit and Alabama, to Nev's life in England before he moved to New York. The story of how the two unlikely pair form an Afro-punk band, and the terrible, racially-charged tragedy that changes their lives forever makes for some incredibly gripping reading. The book is written as a series of interviews, and will certainly appeal to readers who enjoy that format. It's also a fascinating look at the 1970s and would make an excellent book club selection.
Thank you so much to 37 Ink, Netgalley and the author for the librarian preview--I can't wait to purchase and recommend this book to our students!

I went into this book a little hesitant because historical fiction is not traditionally my favorite genre, BUT THIS BOOK BLEW ME AWAY! The setting is somewhere I don't think I've visited in a book before -- the 70s are alive and in your face, and Walton's writing pulsates with emotion. Yes, this book has similarities to Daisy Jones, but I liked it a lot more -- I can't pinpoint why, but I connected better with the characters here and found them to be more fleshed out. Do I want to pick this book back up and start it over right this second....yes. Yes I do.