Presented in partnership with Elliott Bay Book Company

Dawnie Walton’s glowing debut novel, The Final Revival of Opal and Nev (Simon & Schuster), is the story of a young woman come of age in 1970s Detroit and then New York, determined to carve out a place in the musical pantheon, even as she breaks barriers with her Afro-punk band and sound. How that happened then, what blew up what was becoming emergent success, and how it’s all re-viewed decades later is at the heart of this audacious, ambitious book. 

“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, specifically 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.

“'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.

Also with ardent early praise for The Final Revival of Opal & Nev are Kiley Reid, Beverly Bond, Pat Cleveland, and Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Joining Dawnie Walton in conversation will be our dear friend Dawn Davis, who was the editor of this book - and has now moved on to become Editor-in-Chief at Bon Appétit.