The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton

 Book Excerpt:

"A kaleidoscopic fictional oral history of the beloved rock ’n’ roll duo who shot to fame in 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 the 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."

Title:  The Final Revival of Opal & New

Author: Dawnie Walton
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Final Revival of Opal & Nev" by Dawnie Walton

My Opinion:

It is an interesting mythical read where one can be drawn to Opal and Nev's rock and roll duo history. Be ready for some unique characters that are well-developed and well-defined in each of their own ways. I liked how this author uses a journalistic style [Sunny] who wrote the biography of these two... Opal and Nev. Opal Jewel was some amazing character who defied the accepted views of the 1970s and refused only to be herself!

The author gives us quite a read from the 1960s through 2016 of 'the history of Detroit, the religious sister, manager and promoter, other record artists, family connections, romance, systemic racism, integument, mystery, and a good look behind the scenes of the music industry.' This was definitely controversial looked that showed the racism and sexism that was very prevalent at that time with a unique way that tells a story from many POV's. Can one believe many of these deals with some of the same racial injustice issues that we still see today?

'The Final Revival of Opal & Nev' will be one of those reads that will definitely keep you reading where you will find some humor, heartbreak, and still thought-provoking long after the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon, and Schuster for the ARC!