Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell: A Heartfelt Reunion
When I first heard that Rainbow Rowell had a new adult romance coming out, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Having been a diehard fan ever since Attachments and Landline had me laughing and crying in equal measure, the prospect of reuniting with her compelling characters felt like returning to an old friend. Throw in a nostalgic 90s setting, and it was a recipe for delight! So imagine my thrill when I received an ARC from NetGalley; it was like being handed a golden ticket to a long-awaited reunion.
Plot & Characters
Slow Dance introduces us to Shiloh and Cary, two childhood best friends whose lives have taken divergent paths yet are irresistibly drawn back together when they converge again at a wedding fourteen years later. Shiloh, fresh from a divorce, is staying at her mother’s house with her kids, grappling with insecurities while watching her former peers live out their happy lives. Cary, on the other hand, is steadfast, loyal, and living out his naval aspirations. Their reconnection stirs up buried feelings, but can they navigate the complexities of the past and present?
The themes of unfulfilled dreams, the passage of time, and the lingering bonds of friendship are all delicately rendered, but my relationship with Shiloh was a rollercoaster. While I admired her quirks and parenting, I found myself growing increasingly frustrated with her hesitations. Time and again, barriers seemed to spring up in the face of potential love, and Cary, as loyal as ever, appeared almost too passive while waiting for Shiloh to figure things out.
Writing Style & Pacing
Rowell’s narrative technique is emblematic of her style—rich, relatable, and infused with humor. However, this time, I struggled with the pacing. The book felt much longer than its 400 pages, largely due to the back-and-forth timeline without clear markers. While the reminiscences added depth to their relationship, the lack of distinct indicators sometimes made it challenging to keep track of their age and emotional maturity throughout different phases of their lives.
One standout moment that stuck with me was when Shiloh and Cary first lock eyes at the wedding. It’s the embodiment of nostalgia and longing, underscored beautifully by the quote, “Last dance, last chance for love.” That moment is tinged with hope, bringing to life that thrilling sensation of what could be.
Final Thoughts
Although I may have wished for a little more spice and immediate romance, Rowell’s authentic portrayal of human relationships still resonates deeply. I rounded my rating up to 4 stars, as the richness of her characters always pulls me in, even when I feel a tug of frustration along the way.
For anyone who has cherished Rowell’s earlier works, Slow Dance is undoubtedly a worthwhile journey. It navigates love and friendship’s intricacies with her signature charm and offers a nuanced portrayal of life’s messiness, particularly in the context of a second chance at love. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer looking for something genuine, this novel invites you to reflect on the relationships that shape us and the "what ifs" that linger in our hearts. Happy reading!