The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

Name: The Final Revival of Opal & Nev
Brand: Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand
SKU: 9781529414530
Price: 24.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2022

By Dawnie Walton

0.0 (0 reviews)

3.82

( 32,928 ratings, 5,301 reviews)

Summary

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is a riveting fictional oral history detailing the rise of an avant-garde American rock duo in the 1970s. The novel explores themes of ambition, identity, and cultural politics through the intertwined lives of Opal, an unconventional African American singer, and Nev, a quirky British musician. Set against the backdrop of social upheaval, their story is vividly brought to life through interviews and insights from those who witnessed their tumultuous and trailblazing journey.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to dynamic storytelling that delves into the complexities of race, gender, and rock 'n' roll history in a unique interview format. Its rich character development and immersive narrative will captivate anyone interested in the tumultuous world of the 1970s music scene and its lasting impact.

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

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.

Description

'A thrilling work' TA-NEHISI COATES

'Lovely and lyrical . . . warm and wonderful' KILEY REID

'An absolutely brilliant book' SARA COLLINS

A queen of punk before her time. A duo on the brink of stardom. A night that will define their story forever.

Opal is a fiercely independent young woman pushing against the grain in her style and attitude, a Black punk artist before her time. Despite her unconventional looks, Opal believes she can be a star. So when the aspiring British singer/songwriter Neville Charles discovers her one night, she takes him up on his offer to make rock music together.

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 everything.

Provocative and haunting, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev introduces a bold new name in contemporary fiction and a heroine the likes of which we've not seen in storytelling.

'As musical and revolutionary in tone and structure as it is in content . . . it tells the truth. A truth that bangs' JASON REYNOLDS

'A marvelous musical tale of friendship, betrayal, and the power that comes with self-reclamation. This story will stay with me for many years to come' LAYLA SAAD

'Fantastic. What I love most of all about this book, though, is the way Walton quite literally inserts a strong, bold Black rock musician into a history that's often discouraged us from shining, or from even entering at all. Magical' ZAKIYA DALILA HARRIS

'A packed time capsule that doubles as a stick of dynamite' NEW YORK TIMES

'An absorbing tale bursting with colour' COSMOPOLITAN

'One of the books of the year' STYLIST

'An utterly fresh take on finding one's voice' O, THE OPRAH MAGAZINE

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Dawnie Walton’s novel is praised for its immersive storytelling and the vivid chorus of voices interwoven throughout. It explores themes of race, music, and feminism, and is noted for its rich atmosphere and strong characters, particularly the audacious Opal Jewel. Many reviewers commend its originality and say it feels as real and engaging as non-fiction, while its depiction of the music business and complex societal issues captivates readers.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529414530

Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 March 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Quercus Publishing

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 290g

Pages: 368

Collections

Dawnie Walton Fiction General Fiction History & Military Literary Fiction

About the Author

DAWNIE WALTON is a writer, editor, and author of the novel The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, a finalist for the Aspen Words Literary Prize, longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction, and named one of the best books of 2021 by The Washington Post, NPR, Esquire, and former U.S. President Barack Obama, among others. Her work explores identity, place, and the influence of pop culture. Formerly an editor at Essence and Entertainment Weekly, she has received fellowships in fiction from MacDowell and Tin House, and an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop. Her writing has appeared in Oxford American, Bon Appetit, NPR, Lithub, and Black Ballad. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, she lives in Brooklyn with her husband.