Reviews with content warning for Car accident - The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

This book is so compelling. So concise and yet with such gorgeous visuals and descriptions of music, so focused and yet so devoted to the nuances of the story and the supporting cast. It reads like a book written by a journalist, asking important questions and pushing the reader to think critically, but never dragging the way more self-indulgent literary books do. It focuses on racism, sexism, misogynoir, and the far-reaching effects of structural inequality and subcultural resistance, and yet it comes off emotionally real rather than preachy. If you liked "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," you're likely to get a lot out of this one too.

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rebeccameyrink's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

I have a lot to say about this book!

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!

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ellaensorcelee's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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