Reviews

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton

msmichaela's review against another edition

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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

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

jess_mango's review against another edition

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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!

seymone's review against another edition

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5.0


It was a blast listening and reading along. I would highly recommend the audiobook.

lainews05's review against another edition

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

3.75

snowlilly's review against another edition

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emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

meggler's review against another edition

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slow-paced

3.0

livmull's review against another edition

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

3.75

mapmom_'s review against another edition

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I couldn't get into the writing style. I kept getting confused on who was talking and where we were in the storyline. I was liking story but just not how it was put together.

emlavs1's review against another edition

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challenging emotional tense 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