The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

By: Dawnie Walton

Narrated by: Janina Edwards, Bahni Turpin, James Langton, André De Shields, Dennis Boutsikaris, Steve West, Gabra Zackman, full cast

2022 FICTION AUDIE AWARD WINNER!

An electrifying and "provocative, rich, and assured" (Vogue) debut novel about the meteoric rise of an iconic interracial rock duo in the 1970s, their sensational breakup, and the dark secrets unearthed when they try to reunite decades later for one last tour.

“A packed time capsule that doubles as a stick of dynamite.” —THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

Opal is a fiercely independent young woman pushing against the grain in her style and attitude, Afro-punk before that term existed. Coming of age in Detroit, she can’t imagine settling for a 9-to-5 job—despite her unusual looks, Opal believes she can be a star. So when the aspiring British singer/songwriter Neville Charles discovers her at a bar’s amateur night, she takes him up on his offer to make rock music together for the fledgling Rivington Records.

In early seventies New York City, just as she’s finding her niche as part of a flamboyant and funky creative scene, a rival band signed to her label brandishes a Confederate flag at a promotional concert. Opal’s bold protest and the violence that ensues set off a chain of events that will not only change the lives of those she loves, but also be a deadly reminder that repercussions are always harsher for women, especially black women, who dare to speak their truth.

Decades later, as Opal considers a 2016 reunion with Nev, music journalist S. Sunny Shelton seizes the chance to curate an oral history about her idols. Sunny thought she knew most of the stories leading up to the cult duo’s most politicized chapter. But as her interviews dig deeper, a nasty new allegation from an unexpected source threatens to blow up everything.

Provocative and chilling, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev features a backup chorus of unforgettable voices, a heroine the likes of which we’ve not seen in storytelling, and a daring structure, and introduces a bold new voice in contemporary fiction.

A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BUZZ PICK * NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY BARACK OBAMA * THE WASHINGTON POST *NPR* ESQUIRE * ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY * GOODREADS * THE MILLIONS * READER’S DIGEST * PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER * CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY

Amazing!!!

Absolutely loved this book from start to finish! Listened while I read along. All narrators were excellent!

Fantastic Read

This book was amazing and the audio book eith full cast best brings it to life. The characters are so well developed I found myself stopping at times just to remind myself they weren't real. The story is impeccably told--all I can say is WOW! Well done Ms.Dawnie Walton!!

Tiresome.

Much too long and the characters are all caricatures. Voice actors were mostly quite good.

You hear me

Incredible. The cast was perfect. Walton is so good at putting you smack dab in a place and painting a picture, right down to the crease on Opal’s chin.The way these characters and happenings were woven so expertly into the history gave me the urge, more than once, to go to Spotify and search for Polychrome. Loved this so much.

Nice!!

Good book. Had to get used to all the characters, but it felt real! I actually thought Opal and Nev was a real group.