Rainbow Rowell, known for her heartwarming and relatable characters, returns with Slow Dance, a novel that explores the rekindled connection between two childhood friends, Shiloh and Cary. Fans eager for another adult romance from the author of Attachments and Landline will find familiar charm, but Slow Dance lives up to its name, offering a deliberately paced story that may test the patience of some readers.
The narrative centers on Shiloh and Cary, whose deep bond formed in the 90s in Omaha. Shiloh dreamed of Broadway, while Cary envisioned a life in the Navy. Life inevitably led them down different paths, until fate reunites them at a mutual friend’s wedding fourteen years later. Shiloh, newly divorced and navigating single motherhood, finds herself drawn back to Cary. Their reconnection sparks a potent mix of nostalgia and possibility, leading to the question: can their friendship evolve into something more?
As Shiloh and Cary navigate the complexities of their renewed relationship, they grapple with past communication issues, family dynamics, and the challenges of dating in their thirties. Shiloh’s emotional barriers and Cary’s demanding Navy career create obstacles, making them both wonder if their past is best left undisturbed. The central conflict revolves around whether this second chance is the catalyst they need for lasting love, or simply a fleeting “last dance” that fades with the music.
Rainbow Rowell excels at crafting authentic characters, and Shiloh and Cary are no exception. Shiloh, with her quirks and relatable struggles as a single mom, feels incredibly real. Rowell’s signature strength lies in writing children, and Shiloh’s kids are as endearing and well-developed as readers have come to expect. Cary is portrayed as steadfast and loyal, providing a solid counterpoint to Shiloh’s anxieties.
However, Shiloh’s character, while realistic, can become a source of frustration. Her constant self-sabotage and internal roadblocks, though intended to portray her vulnerability, occasionally hinder the story’s progress. While Cary’s patience is admirable, some readers might wish for him to assert himself more, adding depth to his character beyond his unwavering support for Shiloh. Exploring Cary’s perspective more fully could have enriched the narrative and balanced the heavy focus on Shiloh’s internal struggles.
One of the primary challenges of Slow Dance is its pacing. The story unfolds non-linearly, interweaving present-day events in 2006 with flashbacks to Shiloh and Cary’s past. While flashbacks are essential to understanding their history, the book’s structure, labeling each flashback section simply as “before,” creates a confusing timeline. The lack of clear chronological markers makes it difficult to track the progression of their relationship and can disrupt the reading flow. Even simple year indicators within the “before” sections would have significantly improved clarity.
Adding to the pacing issues is the book’s length. At 400 pages, Slow Dance feels longer than necessary for the narrative it presents. The back-and-forth timeline contributes to this sense of drawn-out pacing. Furthermore, readers seeking a passionate romance may find Slow Dance lacking in romantic intensity. The “slow burn” romance simmers for a long time, perhaps too long for those desiring more immediate romantic gratification. While a slow build-up can be effective, the romance in Slow Dance could benefit from more demonstrative moments of connection and passion, especially given the characters’ history and the years of anticipation.
Despite these criticisms, Slow Dance retains Rainbow Rowell’s signature charm and ability to create relatable, flawed characters. The novel delves into the complexities of adult relationships, the weight of the past, and the possibility of second chances. However, readers should be prepared for a genuinely “Slow Dance” – a deliberately paced, character-driven story that prioritizes realism over rapid romantic development. While Slow Dance may not reach the heights of Rowell’s earlier works for some, it offers a thoughtful exploration of reconnection and the enduring power of friendship, even if it requires a bit more patience to fully appreciate.
