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horizonous's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Death of parent, Misogyny, Hate crime, Bullying, Violence, Infidelity, Car accident, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Cancer, Eating disorder, and Sexual content
rebeccameyrink's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
First of all, it’s hard not to compare this book in some way to Daisy Jones and the Six because they both follow the same format. They are written as though they are the transcript of a documentary. Both have audiobooks that feature a full cast that really brings the story to life. Both are about musicians in the 70’s. But I think that is where the similarities end.
In all honesty I read this book because I was curious about two books sharing such a similar format. Daisy Jones feels like reading about the interpersonal drama of Fleetwood Mac but Opal & Nev, although set in the same time period, is really a story about race and gender and how it functions in society.
I’ve said it before, but I really have no interest in the 70’s, in “sex, drugs and rock and roll.” But I loved this book despite that. I will say, this book does not focus on sex and drugs if that isn’t your thing.
I was so impressed with the pacing of the plot in this book. How both the “past” and “present” plots mirrored each other so that I never felt more interested in one storyline over the other.
I think Dawnie Walton’s journalism career also really shines though. The journalist felt so real, and present in the story. And while all the characters felt very real, they also really read as having their “interview persona” on. I as the reader was really able to both see the mask and see behind it.
Above all else, I loved how this book did not hold the readers hand when covering how race and gender effect people and how even “good” white people play key roles in upholding white supremacy. There is even one part in which real, present day celebrities “way in” on Opal & Nev and it felt so real. It really highlighted how different people interpret history and the ways in which the narrative gets changed.
I wasn’t 100% sold on the ending but I still really enjoyed. A solid 4.5 stars!
Moderate: Murder, Racial slurs, Racism, Infidelity, and Addiction
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, Car accident, and Eating disorder
isabelfaith's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Police brutality
Minor: Eating disorder
sallysimply's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Violence, Sexism, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Eating disorder
Ableist language Police harassmentinternationalreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Drug use, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Infidelity, Mass/school shootings, Murder, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Violence