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A review by cait_reads_and_drinks
The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I have to be honest and say that my initial desire to read this book stemmed solely from the fact that one of the main characters is named Nev, which also happens to be the name of my beloved obese cat. I heard this being compared to Daisy Jones & The Six a lot, and similar to Daisy Jones, this one just didn't do it for me.
The story is written in a journalistic/interview style that rehashes the story of Opal & Nev, former rock legends who have since gone their separate ways, leading up to a reunion show during a major music festival. This story of two underdogs who capitalized on a tragic situation is a slow build with lots of heavy character development that reads like a biography.
At the beginning, I got major Evelyn Hugo vibes with the style in how the book was written and had really high hopes. However, this was super hard for me to get into and I found myself trying to power through it just to be done with it. There is a bit of a twist in the story about halfway through but it was too little too late.
There are some very important themes brought up in this book, particularly regarding Black women and their struggles to succeed on the same level as white men, however these themes at times get lost with the rest of the plot points in the story. I would have liked to see it more streamlined on the story of Opal & Nev and their dynamic, rather than the connection of the "editor" to their story and her attempts to find answers to what caused the tragic situation that boosted them to stardom.
I would definitely recommend readers to check this one out and form their own opinion, especially as the themes that present themselves are so relevant in today's society. That being said I think this one may be better enjoyed listening on audio rather than the physical book.
The story is written in a journalistic/interview style that rehashes the story of Opal & Nev, former rock legends who have since gone their separate ways, leading up to a reunion show during a major music festival. This story of two underdogs who capitalized on a tragic situation is a slow build with lots of heavy character development that reads like a biography.
At the beginning, I got major Evelyn Hugo vibes with the style in how the book was written and had really high hopes. However, this was super hard for me to get into and I found myself trying to power through it just to be done with it. There is a bit of a twist in the story about halfway through but it was too little too late.
There are some very important themes brought up in this book, particularly regarding Black women and their struggles to succeed on the same level as white men, however these themes at times get lost with the rest of the plot points in the story. I would have liked to see it more streamlined on the story of Opal & Nev and their dynamic, rather than the connection of the "editor" to their story and her attempts to find answers to what caused the tragic situation that boosted them to stardom.
I would definitely recommend readers to check this one out and form their own opinion, especially as the themes that present themselves are so relevant in today's society. That being said I think this one may be better enjoyed listening on audio rather than the physical book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Violence
Minor: Alcoholism