An electrifying 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 GOOD MORNING AMERICA BUZZ PICK
NAMED A BEST BOOK OF 2021 BY BARACK OBAMA * THE WASHINGTON POST *
NPR * ESQUIRE * ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY * GOODREADS * THE MILLIONS
* READER'S DIGEST * PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER * EERIE READER * PUBLIC
RADIO TULSA * CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY * KIRKUS REVIEWS
"Feels truer and more mesmerizing than some true stories. It's 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.
