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The Final Revival of Opal & Nev
An electrifying and "provocative, rich, and assured" (Vogue) debut novel about the meteoric rise of an iconic interracial rock duo in the 1970s, their sensational breakup, and the dark secrets unearthed when they try to reunite decades later for one last tour.
“A packed time capsule that doubles as a stick of dynamite.” —THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
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.
A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BUZZ PICK * NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY BARACK OBAMA * THE WASHINGTON POST * NPR * ESQUIRE * ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY * GOODREADS * THE MILLIONS * READER’S DIGEST * PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER * CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY
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Reviews
This wonderfully written tome walks the reader along in true narrative fashion that is current and moves like a documentary. I could see the film reeling out before me as the story unfolded in sweet, jarring and sometimes terrifying fashion. If books were good, this is pot roast, potatoes, gravy and buttered biscuits. Trust me, you will mop the plate clean.
By Rlene D
Once I got into it, and I mean really got into it, I could not put it down. At its most basic, the book tells the story of Opal and Nev, a rock duo that is gearing up for a showcase, and the aftermath of what happens that night. This work draws parallels between experiences with racism, colorism, feminism historically and currently proving the old adage true again, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
By krystldwn
This fictional oral history tells the story of Opal Jewel, a young black woman from Detroit with a big voice, and Nev Charles, a British wanna-be rockstar, who team up as a duet in the ‘70s. The story weaves together their upbringings, how they came together, one disastrous show and everything that followed. It was very intriguing and a must-read if you liked Daisy Jones & The Six or if you’re a big rock & roll fan!
By emmabrace19