Description

 The Final Revival of Opal & Nev- A Novel

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev “By turns playful and serious, and always wonderfully entertaining…the immensely gifted Dawnie Walton creates a vivid chorus of voices as she tells the story of Opal’s journey from a dive in Detroit to the stage in New York where everything changes. This novel rocks.”—MARGOT LIVESEY, author of The Boy in the Field

Opal

Meet Opal, a young and fiercely independent woman who refuses to conform to societal norms. With her unique style and rebellious attitude. She embodies the spirit of Afro-punk before the term even existed. Growing up in Detroit, Opal dreams of something bigger than a mundane 9-to-5 job. She believes she has what it takes to become a star. And her confidence is about to be put to the test.

Neville Charles

Enter Neville Charles, a talented British singer/songwriter who stumbles upon Opal’s raw talent during an amateur night at a local bar. Recognizing her potential, he offers her the opportunity to collaborate and create rock music together under the banner of Rivington Records. A fledgling record label. As they undertake their musical expedition. Opal finds her place in the vibrant and eccentric creative scene of early 1970s New York City.

The Pivotal Moment

However, their rise to fame is not without its challenges. A rival band signed to the same label sparks controversy when they proudly display a Confederate flag during a promotional concert. In a bold act of protest, Opal takes a stand against this symbol of hate. Leading to a violent confrontation that sets off a chain of events with far-reaching consequences. This pivotal moment not only alters the lives of those close to Opal. But also serves as a grim reminder that women, especially black women, face harsher repercussions when they dare to speak their truth.

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

Decades later, as Opal contemplates a reunion with Neville in 2016, music journalist S. Sunny Shelton. Seizes the opportunity to delve into their story and curate an oral history. Little does she know that her interviews will uncover a shocking allegation from an unexpected source. Threatening to shatter everything Opal and Nev have built. Prepare to be intrigued by the provocative and chilling tale of The Final Revival of Opal & Nev. Where unforgettable voices harmonize, a fearless heroine takes center stage. And a bold new voice in contemporary fiction emerges.

Reviews

“A delightful and intriguing investigation into pop culture, American history, and race. It makes you question why you’re drawn to the music that you like. Forces you to reflect on important moments in pop culture, and makes you think about who gets forgotten over time.”—Minnesota Public Radio

The Final Revival

“Electrifying…Walton’s tale bursts with such ripe detail–from Opal’s iconic ensembles to gossipy run-ins with real-life celebrities–that we were desperate to give the imaginary duo’s albums a spin. Drawing on all-too-familiar current events to prove that the past is never truly behind us, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is as thought-provoking as it is a through-and-through pleasure.”—APPLE, Best of the Month

“Walton’s debut is bold, audacious, and endlessly fascinating—much like Opal Jewel herself.”—Bookreporter.com

“A true feat of creativity—and a book that uses history to help contextualize what is going on in the here and now. Racism, feminism, and capitalism are all addressed and subverted in Walton’s debut novel.”—She Reads

Exciting

“Walton does an exquisite job weaving together the pains of loss and knowledge to show the real America and how only certain moments are cast as significant and remembered by most storytellers. She unravels the lead-up to Opal and Nev’s “Final Revival” in a piece of literature that is perfectly timed to respond to where we are now as a country…The Final Revival of Opal & Nev has strong characterizations that work in an oral history format and elevate it to a level that captures America at its core, even while it revolves around the story of this ahead-of-its-time punk band. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.”—Real Change News

“A vibrant and immersive portrait of 1970s rock and roll that hooks the reader early with its central mystery of what exactly happened at one life-changing show.”—News-Gazette

Praise

“The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is as musical and revolutionary in tone and structure as it is in content. It delves into the complexities of the creative life, speci?cally as it pertains to Black women, and instead of shying away or egg-shelling, it does what every good book does: tells the truth. A truth that bangs. That shrieks. A siren song to shatter what we’ve known of the novel. Things won’t ever be the same after this. And I’m so happy Dawnie Walton has arrived.”—JASON REYNOLDS, author of the New York Times bestseller A Long Way Down

“The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is lovely and lyrical; a warm and wonderful intersection between journalism and ?ction. This is a novel you’ll want to read out loud. It’s made for readers and music lovers who ?nd themselves wishing that Behind The Music was still on the air.”—KILEY REID, New York Times bestselling author of Such A Fun Age

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

“‘Bold’ doesn’t even begin to describe it. Dawnie Walton’s exhilarating debut is a thrill ride into the Afro-punk 1970s complete with a central character so unforgettable, you’ll almost believe you’ve heard her name before. Innovative, sexy, edgy—I’ve never read anything like Opal & Nev, and I promise you haven’t either.”—AYANA MATHIS, author of The Twelve Tribes of Hattie

Thoughts

“By turns playful and serious, and always wonderfully entertaining…the immensely gifted Dawnie Walton creates a vivid chorus of voices as she tells the story of Opal’s journey from a dive in Detroit to the stage in New York where everything changes. This novel rocks.”—MARGOT LIVESEY, author of The Boy in the Field

“Buckle up when you sit down to follow Opal on her journey from a young girl in Detroit who is trying to ?nd her voice to a con?dent woman who travels the world speaking her truth, even when it gets her in trouble. An intoxicating blend of pop culture and politics, feminist power and fun.”—BEVERLY BOND, author of BLACK GIRLS ROCK: OWNING OUR MAGIC, ROCKING OUR TRUTH, and creator and executive producer of BLACK GIRLS ROCK!

Black Empowerment

“An intelligently executed love letter to Black female empowerment and the world of rock music.”—KIRKUS REVIEWS

“Walton has crafted a rock ‘n roll novel for the ages.”—LIT HUB

“A poignant and relevant reckoning for two captivating women…An utterly absorbing addition to contemporary fiction.”—BUST

“This book is so original on its own. [But] if you love Daisy Jones & the Six, run for this book…it’s incredible…it feels so real.”—BOOK RIOT

“In her powerful debut novel, Walton sews a fictional rock duo so seamlessly into the fabric of music history you’ll be tempted to Google as you read to hear Opal & Nev’s nascent Afro-punk sound, to see their pictures, to share shaky footage of their provocative live shows.”—Philadelphia Inquirer

“Walton handles even the most serious issues with a gloriously light, wise touch.”—COLUMBUS DISPATCH

About The Author

Dawnie Walton, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, has a diverse educational background. In 1997, she obtained a journalism degree from Florida A&M University. Which equipped her with the necessary skills to excel in the field. Later, in 2018, she pursued her passion for writing by earning an MFA from the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop. This program provided her with invaluable knowledge and guidance to refine her craft.

Dawnie Walton

Throughout her career, Walton has made significant contributions to the world of journalism and literature. She has held editorial positions at renowned publications such as Essence and Entertainment Weekly magazines. These roles allowed her to showcase her talent for storytelling and connect with a wide audience. Her ability to captivate readers with her writing style and unique perspectives has been recognized and celebrated.

“The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

In addition to her editorial work, Walton has also been recognized for her fiction writing. She has been awarded fellowships in fiction writing from both MacDowell and the Tin House Summer Workshop. These opportunities provided her with dedicated time and space to focus on her creative endeavors, allowing her to further develop her skills and explore new ideas.

Currently residing in Brooklyn, New York, Walton shares her life with her husband. It is in this vibrant city that she draws inspiration for her writing. Her debut novel, “The Final Revival of Opal & Nev,” showcases her talent and passion for storytelling. With her diverse background and experiences, Walton brings a unique perspective to the literary world, captivating readers with her compelling narratives and thought-provoking themes.