The Final Revival of Opal & Nev
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is a 2021 historical fiction novel authored by Dawnie Walton and published by 37 INK. It earned the 2022 Virginia Commonwealth University, Cabell First Novelist Award, secured the 2022 Aspen Words Literary Prize, and was also shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction.
Reviews
The Final Revival Of Opal & Nev garnered widespread critical praise, including starred accolades from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly.
Critics highlighted its examination of race and gender issues. According to Kirkus Reviews, the book is an "intelligently executed love letter to Black female empowerment and the world of rock music," while Publishers Weekly praised it as "a firecracker," emphasizing its innovative approach to systemic racism and artistic freedom. Booklist lauded it as a "cinematic, stereophonic, and boldly imagined story of race, gender, and agency in art." NPR's Maureen Corrigan recognized the novel as a profound investigation into cultural appropriation in music alongside white allyship. The Washington Post's Danielle Evans applauded the nuanced depiction of a Black woman, avoiding stereotypical portrayals.
The authenticity of the novel also attracted considerable attention. Library Journal remarked that the characters were portrayed with such realism that readers might be tempted to seek their real-life equivalents. Corrigan admitted she had to confirm whether the narrative was factual. The New York Times Book Review described it as "feels truer and more mesmerizing than some true stories."
Walton's unique narrative style and use of an oral history format received commendations. Entertainment Weekly highlighted its compelling, accessible prose featuring fourth wall breaks and candid reflections on race, sexuality, and creativity. Library Journal characterized Walton’s storytelling voice as "true" with flawless writing. Additionally, The New York Times Book Review called the structure "[i]ngeniously constructed."
Awards and honors
In 2021, both Barack Obama and Booklist included The Final Revival of Opal & Nev among their selections for the best books of the year.
Walton was honored with the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award in 2022 for this work.
| Year | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Brooklyn Public Library Literary Prize for Fiction | Template:Longlisted |
| Goodreads Choice Award for Debut Novel | Template:Nom | |
| Goodreads Choice Award for Historical Fiction | Template:Nom | |
| 2022 | Aspen Words Literary Prize | Template:Won |
| Audie Award for Best Fiction | Template:Won | |
| First Novelist Award | Template:Won | |
| Hurston/Wright Legacy Award | Template:Nom | |
| Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award | Template:Won | |
| Women's Prize for Fiction | Template:Longlisted |
This array of accolades underscores the novel’s significant impact in both commercial success and literary esteem.