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meghan_plethoraofpages's review against another edition
5.0
The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton
A wildly impressive debut featuring a fictional 1970’s musical duo, Opal and Nev, it’s told in a flawless oral history format, where each voice is so well done, it flows so easily, conversationally. The story chronicles the group’s origins, how the pair each individually come to music, how they find one another, their rise to entering pop culture stardom. There’s been rumblings of a reunion following a twenty-plus year hiatus of the duo, and rock journalist Sunny is getting a complete picture for a possible book timed for release after their re-entry on the music scene. After a disastrous showcase in the 1970’s where the duo’s Black drummer was beaten and killed, they were thrust into the spotlight, getting their chance at stardom. Sunny is the daughter of that drummer; her research interest is not only professional but personal.
Due to the similarities of both format and time period, this book will likely be compared to Bookstagram-favourite Daisy Jones & The Six. While both music groups felt real, and were engrossing reads, that’s where the comparison can end. This book has something to SAY and it’s delivery was incredible.
Opal is this amazingly complex character; she’s a performer, she’s got nerves of steel, she’s loud, creative, and she’s not afraid to shy away from confrontation for what is right. She’s Black, and through her oral history she shows us the ugly faces of racism and sexism she’s had to face time and again. Her musical partner, Nev, is a British white guy, and their relationship, both friend & professional is slowly extracted by Sunny throughout the interviews.
The characters all felt so real; it’s a real feat. Characters make bad decisions, deal with addictions, love & betray each other, have ups and downs.. I only wish I could hear some of their music!
Overall, this is an awesome, timely, thought provoking debut novel. I’m so grateful to Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for access to an e-copy of this book in change for an honest review. This publishes March 30, 2021!
A wildly impressive debut featuring a fictional 1970’s musical duo, Opal and Nev, it’s told in a flawless oral history format, where each voice is so well done, it flows so easily, conversationally. The story chronicles the group’s origins, how the pair each individually come to music, how they find one another, their rise to entering pop culture stardom. There’s been rumblings of a reunion following a twenty-plus year hiatus of the duo, and rock journalist Sunny is getting a complete picture for a possible book timed for release after their re-entry on the music scene. After a disastrous showcase in the 1970’s where the duo’s Black drummer was beaten and killed, they were thrust into the spotlight, getting their chance at stardom. Sunny is the daughter of that drummer; her research interest is not only professional but personal.
Due to the similarities of both format and time period, this book will likely be compared to Bookstagram-favourite Daisy Jones & The Six. While both music groups felt real, and were engrossing reads, that’s where the comparison can end. This book has something to SAY and it’s delivery was incredible.
Opal is this amazingly complex character; she’s a performer, she’s got nerves of steel, she’s loud, creative, and she’s not afraid to shy away from confrontation for what is right. She’s Black, and through her oral history she shows us the ugly faces of racism and sexism she’s had to face time and again. Her musical partner, Nev, is a British white guy, and their relationship, both friend & professional is slowly extracted by Sunny throughout the interviews.
The characters all felt so real; it’s a real feat. Characters make bad decisions, deal with addictions, love & betray each other, have ups and downs.. I only wish I could hear some of their music!
Overall, this is an awesome, timely, thought provoking debut novel. I’m so grateful to Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for access to an e-copy of this book in change for an honest review. This publishes March 30, 2021!
pippa_monckton's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to love this and I really enjoyed parts of it but just found the pacing weird and I struggled to care at times
kellyhollingsworth's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
ccoulton's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
efamared's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
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
4.75
manderzreadz's review against another edition
4.0
Very relevant, timely, and important book that brings perspective to issues going on in society and ultimately how we respond to them shows our true character. The ending dragged on a bit, but overall a solid read.
cerysejones's review against another edition
3.0
Very Daisy Jones & the Six-esque with the format but the civil rights aspects gave it a bit more depth which I liked. However, I kept expecting the plot to pick up and it never really did and then suddenly the book was over. Still enjoyed the 70s music vibes (of course) but it didn’t quite hit in the way I wanted it to. (3.5 stars)
music_girl84's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Toxic friendship, Sexual content, Racism, Murder, Hate crime, Drug use, Alcoholism, Infidelity, Racial slurs, Cursing, Death, Addiction, Alcohol, Grief, and Drug abuse
mrsclicquot's review against another edition
4.0
It’s difficult not to compare this book to Daisy Jones but this story had more things to bring to light. Opal Jewel is a bad ass and I only wish I could be as courageous as her.