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

Incredible, relevant, powerful storytelling

The storytelling, the brilliant layering of culturally relevant history with the riveting fictional characters, the generational intrigue, the way she can describe music and performance so clearly you feel like you’re watching it…all of this makes this story (and particularly the Audible performances) something you won’t want to put down.

Epic

This story/documentary needs to be a movie. I desperately wanted it to be a true story but I found out it wasn’t.

Amazing!

Excellent story brought to life by an incredible cast that drew me in from the very beginning; would highly recommend!

Amazing listening experience

This was what I imagine listening to stories on the radio was like. It was so fun with all of the characters and the story was well done.

Amazing!!!

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