Reviews

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton

issianne's review against another edition

4.0

The best way I can describe this one is if Daisy Jones actually stood for something. (I love Daisy but Opal knows the world's bigger than herself.)

This book was very different than what I expected. It has a similar plot to "Daisy Jones and the Six" with a similar narrative style to "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." Dawnie Walton and Taylor Jenkins Reid should have collab sometime. Enough about TJR's books... In the grand scheme of the book, it's about Opal and Nev's short-lived jump to fame together. Truly, the book is about Opal and the hills she's ready to die on. Our narrator is Sunny Curtis, daughter of Opal and Nev's drummer who was killed at the show that launched their careers.

While most books about musicians in the seventies is focused on drugs, sex, and rock and roll--this one reflects on race, afro-punk, and self-discovery. It's discussion of performative allyship is an essential one that white people need listen in on.

There were moments in the book that felt rushed and could've been fleshed out more. For a book that was supposedly about Opal and Nev in the first half, the author didn't completely expand on the relationship between the two main characters. Sunny has this revelation that the book's not about Nev, but I had already felt that lack of subsistence around him before then.

mosreads's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

stephaniejnl's review against another edition

dark inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

4.75

samiredden's review against another edition

inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

helloakosisam's review against another edition

challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective 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

3.5

spatterson12's review against another edition

2.0

Not for me. Those who listened to it on audio loved it, but reading it, it felt like it lasted too long. I didn’t love the writing style changes, didn’t love how the “editor” made it clear she didn’t want to be associated with her father at all in the beginning and yet made her entire writing project be centered on his story, didn’t love how everyone compares this to Daisy Jones when it’s a separate concept altogether. I went in with different expectations than the book was actually offering.

cassie_heintz's review against another edition

Didn’t like the back and fourth interview style of the writing and was causing me to loose interest

msmichaela's review against another edition

4.0

I’m not a fan of oral histories, but it’s turns out that a fictional oral history with lots of asides from the narrator/ostensible author is very much up my alley. This novel grew on me—it’s worth sticking with it despite the slow start. 

nicole_theythem's review against another edition

The way the book is set up, the formatting, I just couldn't get into the story. 

jess_mango's review against another edition

5.0

Now on the 2022 Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist

This book is perfect for fans of [b:Daisy Jones & The Six|40597810|Daisy Jones & The Six|Taylor Jenkins Reid|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580255154l/40597810._SY75_.jpg|61127102] because it is about a fictional 60's/70's rock act AND it is written in the same interview style. I loved Daisy Jones so I was very much into this! The Final Revival of Opan & Nev is written about a Black author and follows the interviews/notes made by the Black editor of the fictional music magazine Oral. Sunny decides to write a feature/book about the duo of Opal & Nev. She has a connection to the band, since her dad used to be their drummer. As part of researching the book, Sunny uncovers the formation of Opal & Nev and also the circumstances surrounding her father's death during a riot at an Opal & Nev concert. Opal & Nev are an unlikely pair, Nev is a gangly, red-headed Brit with a penchant for guitar and quirky lyrics. Opal was a showy, fashion-forward performer in a Detroit R&B /soul duo with her sister Pearl when she was discovered by Nev.

Okay, I really enjoyed this one. While there were similarities with Daisy Jones, I really like that The Final Revival of Opal & Nev also explored social issues like race. Opal & Nev faced a lot of challenges early in as they weren't fully accepted by white crowds or Black crowds. Opal is a bold, outspoken woman who caused some issues for the pair, but she was really a woman seeking fair treatment and justice.

I highly recommend this one to music fans and fans of Daisy Jones & the Six. Also, BONUS... the audiobook version features a full cast. 4.5 stars from me!!

What to listen to while reading...
Author Dawnie Walton made this playlist of music that inspired here while writing the book: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0a6MAK1ycbv8oetTEbOwdo?si=31bd6f23fea847f0

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!