Book Review: Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell – A Story of Timeless Love @rainbowrowell @WmMorrowBooks

Slow Dance is a touching story about two friends navigating the challenges of life, love, and the possibility of a second chance.

Summary:

Shiloh and Cary were inseparable in high school, spending their summers on Shiloh’s porch dreaming of futures that would take them far from their hometown in north Omaha. Shiloh envisioned herself as an actress, while Cary planned to join the Navy, and they promised their friendship would never change. But life had other plans—Shiloh went to college, Cary joined the Navy, and the years that followed saw them drift apart, with Shiloh now back in her childhood home, divorced with two kids, and unsure of her future. When an old friend’s wedding brings the possibility of seeing Cary again, Shiloh can’t help but wonder if it’s too late to rekindle what they once had. Slow Dance is a heartfelt tale of two people who were always meant to be together, even if it took them years to realize it.

My Thoughts:

“Back in high school, everybody thought Shiloh and Cary would end up together . . . everybody but Shiloh and Cary.” This line from the synopsis of Slow Dance beautifully sets the stage for a story that delves deep into the complexities of life, love, and the passage of time.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As the title suggests, the story is centred on Shiloh and Cary—two longtime friends who everyone else could see had fallen in love, but neither wanted to admit to it. Life, family, and responsibility get in the way, and their story unfolds in a way that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

The narrative is skillfully told in alternating time frames: the “Now,” where Shiloh and Cary are both thirty-three and fourteen years removed from their last encounter, and the “Then,” which offers glimpses into their past. What I found particularly interesting was how the “Then” moments are not arranged in sequence but are instead jumbled, providing insights that perfectly complement the “Now” storyline. This structure kept me engaged, eager to see how the pieces of their shared history would fit together.

The characters of Shiloh and Cary are well-developed and highly likable, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey. It was fascinating to see how both characters changed over time in some ways, yet remained the same in others. What stands out most in this book is the emotional detail of Shiloh and Cary’s relationship—the care and respect they have for one another is palpable. You can’t help but root for this couple, and the romance between them is tender and genuine.

Final Thoughts:

This is my first book by Rainbow Rowell, but it certainly won’t be my last. Slow Dance is a beautifully written exploration of love and friendship, and it left me with a sense of warmth and hope.

A Similar Book I’ve Reviewed:

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto