When I first discovered Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell, I wasn’t looking for it. In reality, I was in one of those rare situations when I felt nostalgic, so I chose to immerse myself in a genre that may feel like a warm blanket on a cool evening—romance. I wasn’t looking for just any relationship; I wanted something that would make me experience both the anguish and the ecstasy of love, something authentic and honest. Having published innumerable reviews, this wasn’t my first journey into Rowell’s universe, and it won’t be the last. So, there I was, skimming through Audible’s most recent releases, when Slow Dance grabbed my attention.
This review is part of my continuous trip through Rowell’s work, which started with Eleanor & Park and Attachments. What pulled me in? What about the cover? Maybe. The nostalgia of previous reads? Absolutely. But most importantly, there was the premise—a narrative of lost love and second chances. It reminded me of another novel that had a lasting impact on me: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. Both pieces highlight the concept of love that never fades, even when life intervenes. While Sparks’ book has many dramatic, almost cinematic moments, Slow Dance is a more subtle story that focuses on the little, delicate moments that form relationships.
Plot Overview
Slow Dance marks Rowell’s return to adult fiction after a decade away, and it’s as moving and uplifting as one would imagine. The plot focuses on Shiloh and Cary, two best friends from high school who everyone thought were meant to be together—except them. They spent their adolescent years on Shiloh’s porch steps, fantasizing about their future. Cary planned to join the Navy, while Shiloh wanted to become an actress. They made promises to one other, which they did not honor.
Fast forward fourteen years, and their lives have gone quite different routes. Shiloh, who has returned to her old home in North Omaha after a broken marriage and raising two children, is living a life far from her goals. Cary, her once-closest friend, is now a distant memory, a figure from the past with whom she has not talked in over ten years. An invitation to a mutual friend’s wedding serves as the spark for their reunion, forcing Shiloh to face her past and long-buried sentiments.
As the two reconcile, the story dives into the complexity of their relationship. It’s more than simply rekindling a relationship; it’s about addressing the ghosts of their past—missed chances, regrets, and the never-ending wonder, “What if?” Through flashbacks, Rowell connects their past and present, creating a tapestry of events that examine the bittersweet nature of first loves and the promise of second chances.
1. Shiloh Returns to Omaha
Shiloh’s return to North Omaha is filled with nostalgia, but also with a feeling of failure. Shiloh’s life hasn’t turned out as she had hoped, thanks to a broken marriage and the demands of parenting two children. Returning to her childhood home is her quest to reconnect with a part of herself that she believes has been gone. The mansion, which once contained so much potential and young hopes, now seems like a museum of her past, haunted by the ghosts of what could have been.
2. Cary’s Life Outside of Home
On the opposite end of the scale, Cary’s life has diverged from his youthful goals. After entering the Navy, he isolated himself from Omaha, as well as the people and experiences that characterized his upbringing. Cary’s choice to return to Omaha in response to a wedding invitation is more than simply reuniting with old acquaintances; it’s about addressing a part of himself that he’s long ignored. His life away from home has been one of separation, both emotionally and physically, and his reunion with Shiloh causes him to face his decisions.
3. Wedding as Catalyst
The wedding invitation acts as the ideal spark for reuniting these two personalities. It’s a symbolic occasion that celebrates fresh beginnings while also requiring Shiloh and Cary to face their past. Weddings, with their emphasis on love, commitment, and the future, contrast dramatically with Shiloh and Cary’s unresolved conflict. The wedding serves as a background for their growing drama, highlighting themes of lost love and the possibility of fresh beginnings.
4. The Use of Flashbacks
Rowell brilliantly used flashbacks to heighten the emotional intensity of Shiloh and Cary’s connection. These glimpses into their history give context for their present circumstance, allowing readers to better comprehend the link they had and why their parting was so difficult. The flashbacks also add to the emotional stakes of their reunion, revealing the hopes, promises, and choices that eventually formed their lives. These recollections provide the reader with insight into the ‘what ifs’ that plague both Shiloh and Cary, making their path to reconciliation all the more tragic.
5. A Slow Burn Reunion
Shiloh and Cary’s reconnection takes some time. Rowell takes her time uncovering the complexities of their relationship, letting the tension to simmer and grow. This slow burn strategy makes their ultimate reunion seem earned and plausible. It’s a process characterized by difficult talks, unsaid words, and periods of reflection. Their trip is about more than simply rekindling their passion; it is also about mending past wounds and seeking closure. The glacial nature of their reunion reflects the dance metaphor in the title, with careful movements, stumbles, and moments of grace that draw them closer together.
Character analysis
Rowell’s strength has always been her ability to create truly human people, and Slow Dance is no different. Shiloh is a lady torn between her ideal life and her current reality. Her return to North Omaha is her effort to patch together her broken past and regain some semblance of the person she once was. Cary, on the other hand, is a guy who has always run—from his emotions, obligations, and the past. Their reunion is laden with tension, unsaid words, and the heartbreaking realization that time cannot cure all hurts.
1. Shiloh: The Dreamer Grounded in Reality
Shiloh is a figure that represents the conflict between adolescent ideals and the severity of mature realities. In her adolescence, she had big aspirations and ambitions, including becoming an actress and leaving Omaha. However, life had other ideas for her. Shiloh’s life has changed dramatically after being a single mother. Her return to North Omaha signifies a full-circle moment, a confrontation with the divide between who she intended to be and who she is now. This conflict between previous fantasies and current realities is crucial to her character growth, as she navigates the intricacies of reconciling with her former self.
2. Cary: The Escapist Confronts His Past
Cary’s character is similarly multifaceted. He is a guy who has spent much of his life running—away from his emotions, his history, and even the people he once loved. Joining the Navy was his means of escape, allowing him to separate himself from the anguish of unresolved emotions. However, his return to Omaha and reunion with Shiloh compel him to cease fleeing. Cary’s character journey is about confronting the repercussions of his previous decisions and the suffering he has attempted to hide. His path is one of self-discovery and, eventually, atonement, as he confronts the consequences of his mistakes for both his own and Shiloh’s lives.
3. The Dynamics of Shiloh and Cary
Slow Dance revolves on Shiloh and Cary’s relationship. Their interaction consists of profound familiarity and unsaid tension. As closest friends in high school, they had a bond that went beyond friendship, but they never crossed the line into romance, something they both regret. Their reunion carries the weight of all that went unsaid, and their interactions are fraught with desire, hatred, and hope. Rowell captures the core of their connection via their talks, silences, and shared experiences, resulting in a nuanced portrait of two individuals striving to reconnect.
4. Supporting Characters
While Shiloh and Cary are the main protagonists, Rowell fills Slow Dance with a cast of supporting characters that lend dimension to the story. These characters, including their common acquaintances and Shiloh’s children, represent various aspects of Shiloh and Cary’s life. They give insight into the characters’ personalities, challenges, and the consequences of their choices. The supporting people also serve as a reminder that Shiloh and Cary’s narrative is not isolated; it is part of a bigger web of connections and communities.
Themes and Symbols
Slow Dance is essentially a tale about second chances—not just in love, but in life. It is about the decisions we make, the routes we follow, and the potential of atonement. The dance metaphor runs throughout the story, representing the push and pull of Shiloh and Cary’s relationship. Their dance is characterized by hesitancy and errors, as well as connection and tenderness.
Rowell also investigates the issue of nostalgia and how it influences our impressions of the past. Shiloh’s return to her childhood home is both a physical and emotional trip. It’s about reliving her childhood aspirations and hopes and reconciling them with who she is now. Cary’s path is similar, as he grapples with his actions and the person he once was. Their narrative is about two individuals who are striving to reconnect with one other as well as with themselves.
Narrative Style and Structure
Slow Dance’s story framework is one of its most fascinating features. Rowell uses a parallel chronology, switching between Shiloh and Cary’s adolescent years and their current reunion. This framework enables readers to view the whole breadth of their connection, from childhood innocence to adult complications. The flashbacks are more than simply fluff; they are essential to comprehending the depth of their relationship and the reasons for their separation.
Rowell’s work is as poetic as ever, with a sharp eye for detail and a profound knowledge of human emotions. The language is crisp, humorous, and often laced with the type of melancholy that comes from knowing someone too well. Her language is mature, reflecting the evolution of her characters, making Slow Dance a work that speaks to readers on numerous levels.
Comparisons and Context
Slow Dance is inextricably linked to Rowell’s previous works, notably Attachments and Landline. Slow Dance, like previous works, is about romance and platonic relationships. However, what distinguishes it is its emphasis on the passage of time and its effects on love. While Attachments and Landline were more lighthearted, Slow Dance is more realistic, dealing with the complexities of life and the flaws of love.
The book also has parallels to other contemporary romances that deal with the concept of second chances, such as Taylor Jenkins Reid’s After I Do and Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us. Where Slow Dance deviates is in its reluctance to provide simple answers or neat solutions. Rowell knows how difficult life, and especially love, can be. The end result is a work that seems authentic, acknowledging the sadness of the past but also expressing optimism for the future.
Conclusion: Why Does Slow Dance Stand Out?
Slow Dance is a book that sticks with you long after you’ve finished the final page. It’s a narrative about love, loss, and the opportunity to start afresh. More importantly, it’s a narrative about what it means to fully know someone and allow yourself to be known in return. Rowell has created a story that is both timeless and relevant, speaking to the human experience of love and the passing of time.
For Rowell lovers, Slow Dance is a must-read. It demonstrates her development as a writer and her ability to convey the complexities of human interactions. For new readers, it’s an invitation to explore Rowell’s unique writing style, which is both happy and heartbreaking.
Slow Dance is ultimately about more than simply love. It serves as a reminder that it is never too late to dance, try love, and reconnect with the person you were always intended to be.
