An Ode to Lost Love and Rekindled Hope
You know that feeling when a song comes on the radio and suddenly you’re transported back in time? When the first few notes hit your ears and bam – you’re 17 again, sitting in your best friend’s car, singing at the top of your lungs without a care in the world? That’s the vibe Rainbow Rowell captures so perfectly in her latest novel, Slow Dance. It’s a story that’ll make you laugh, cry, and want to dig out your old high school yearbook.
Rowell has always had a knack for writing achingly real characters, and Shiloh and Cary are no exception. These two feel like people you knew back in the day—the inseparable best friends everyone thought would end up together, even if they couldn’t see it themselves. Reading their story is like flipping through an old photo album, equal parts nostalgic and bittersweet.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
The novel opens with Shiloh at 33, divorced with two kids and living back in her childhood home in North Omaha. Her life hasn’t exactly gone according to plan, you know? When she gets an invite to an old friend’s wedding, all she can think about is whether her former bestie Cary will be there. It’s been 14 years since they last spoke, and boy does that reunion pack an emotional punch.
Rowell masterfully weaves between past and present, giving us glimpses of Shiloh and Cary’s high school days alongside their current struggles. The flashbacks are pitch-perfect, capturing that uniquely teenage mix of hope, angst, and possibility. You’ll find yourself grinning at their inside jokes and shared history, then getting hit right in the feels when you remember how things fell apart.
Characters That Feel Like Old Friends
Let’s talk about our main duo for a sec. Shiloh is a hot mess in the best possible way – she’s snarky, anxious, and still trying to figure out who she is at 33. Her inner monologue is hilariously relatable:
“I don’t think I’m a lesbian—I might be bisexual. A nonpracticing bisexual. Not even an Easter-Christmas bisexual. It just really all feels theoretical at this point: I’m tired, and I don’t like anyone.”
And then there’s Cary. Oh, Cary. He’s the steady presence to Shiloh’s chaos, all quiet strength and unwavering loyalty. Watching him struggle with his feelings for Shiloh while trying to balance his Navy career and family obligations… oof, it’ll tug at your heartstrings.
The supporting cast is just as vibrant. Shiloh’s kids, Junie and Gus, leap off the page with their distinct personalities. And don’t even get me started on Mikey – the third wheel of their high school trio who’s still trying to keep everyone together. Every character feels fully realized, with their own quirks and baggage.
A Love Story for the Ages
At its core, Slow Dance is about second chances—with love, with family, with yourself. Rowell doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of rekindling an old flame. There are awkward moments, misunderstandings, and plenty of baggage to unpack. But there are also sparks of that old connection, moments that’ll make your heart skip a beat:
“I love you,” he said. (Was that the third time?)
She shivered.
“What do you need?” he asked again.
Shiloh didn’t know what she needed, and she only sort of knew what she wanted. She didn’t want this to stop. She didn’t want Cary to leave or back out or change his mind.
The slow burn between Shiloh and Cary is exquisite torture. You’ll want to shake them both and yell “Just kiss already!” But their hesitation feels genuine—they’ve both been hurt before, and there’s so much at stake. The payoff, when it finally comes, is absolutely worth the wait.
More Than Just Romance
While the love story is central, Slow Dance tackles some heavier themes too. Rowell doesn’t shy away from exploring family dysfunction, the challenges of co-parenting after divorce, and the way our childhood experiences shape us as adults. Cary’s complicated relationship with his mother and sisters adds depth to his character, while Shiloh’s struggles as a single mom feel painfully real.
There’s also a thoughtful exploration of identity and how we change (or don’t) as we grow older. Both Shiloh and Cary have to confront the gap between who they thought they’d be and who they’ve actually become. It’s a relatable journey that’ll resonate with anyone who’s ever looked in the mirror and wondered “How did I get here?”
Rowell’s Signature Style
Fans of Rowell’s previous work (like Eleanor & Park, The Attachment, or Fangirl) will recognize her trademark wit and warmth here. Her dialogue crackles with energy, peppered with pop culture references and inside jokes that make the characters feel like real people. She has a gift for capturing those small, intimate moments that make up a relationship:
Shiloh laughed. At nothing.
Cary closed his eyes and kissed her palm.
“Okay, Cary,” she said. “I’ll see you when I see you.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said. “Somehow.”
The prose flows effortlessly, alternating between laugh-out-loud funny and punch-you-in-the-gut emotional. Rowell’s not afraid to let her characters be messy and make mistakes, which only makes them more endearing.
A Few Minor Quibbles
Is the book perfect? Not quite. The pacing drags a bit in the middle as Shiloh and Cary dance around their feelings. And some readers might find the constant back-and-forth between past and present a little disorienting at first.
There’s also a subplot involving Cary’s family drama that, while interesting, sometimes feels like it’s taking away from the main romance. But these are minor complaints in an otherwise stellar read.
The Verdict
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell is a beautiful, bittersweet ode to first loves and second chances. It’s the kind of book that’ll make you want to call up your high school bestie and reminisce about the good old days. Rowell has crafted a story that feels both timeless and utterly contemporary, exploring how our past shapes us without defining us.
If you’re a fan of character-driven romance with a healthy dose of humor and heart, this book is an absolute must-read. It’ll make you laugh, cry, and maybe even believe in the possibility of rekindling an old flame. Just be prepared – you might find yourself digging out your old yearbooks and wondering “what if?” after turning the final page.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Anyone who’s ever wondered about “the one that got away”
- Fans of slow-burn romance with plenty of emotional depth
- Readers who enjoy stories about complex family dynamics
- Those looking for a more mature YA/crossover novel
- Anyone who’s ever felt like their life didn’t turn out quite how they planned
Similar Reads
If you enjoy Slow Dance, you might also like:
- One Day by David Nicholls
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
- The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
Final Thoughts
Rainbow Rowell has done it again with Slow Dance, delivering a romance that feels both fresh and familiar. It’s a story that’ll stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page, making you ponder your own roads not taken and the power of reconnection. So grab a cozy blanket, maybe dig out that old mixtape you made for your high school crush, and settle in for a journey that’s equal parts nostalgic and hopeful. Just don’t blame me if you end up drunk-texting your ex at 2 AM – that’s between you and your therapist.
