Book Review: A Story of Friendship, Forgiveness, and Reconnection in Rainbow Rowell’s Slow Dance.

Rainbow Rowell. Source: American Libraries Magazine.

I came across this book on Instagram and was immediately drawn to the premise: two high school best friends reunited at a wedding after fourteen years. The best friends to lovers trope is not one I chase, but it is a fun one I enjoy from time to time. This book also happens to be a Reese’s Book Club pick, which usually signals disappointment for me since I have found many of her choices underwhelming, but I decided to give it a try.

A Story of Reconnection and Everyday Struggles

The story follows Shiloh and Cary, best friends in high school who reconnect later in life. Cary left Omaha to join the Navy, while Shiloh stayed, married, and had two children. Their teenage dialogue is a highlight of the novel because it gives insight into their personalities. Cary is measured and logical, while Shiloh is speculative, questioning, and often imperturbable.

As adults, their lives are complicated. Shiloh juggles teaching, raising two kids, and navigating divorce, while Cary faces family pressures as he cares for his ageing mother and contends with opposition from siblings. Against this backdrop, the two confront feelings they have long buried.

Friendship, Family, and Imperfect Mothers

This is very much a small-town story, a slice-of-life narrative about ordinary people. The conflicts are not earth-shattering. The central tension lies in Shiloh and Cary admitting their feelings for each other. Along the way, there are plenty of lighthearted, grin-inducing moments balanced with compassion for Cary’s quiet burdens.

The novel’s strongest theme is friendship. I appreciated how Shiloh tried to be there for Cary during his family struggles, even when their own relationship carried friction from the past. Their bond underscores that friendship, trust, and forgiveness form the foundation of any lasting relationship.

The portrayal of motherhood also stood out. Both characters had imperfect mothers who did not fit the idealized image of nurturing perfection. Instead, these women loved their children as best they could while managing personal struggles. Significantly, both Cary and Shiloh grew up without their biological fathers, and this shaped the way they handled relationships as adults.

Style, Pace, and Final Reflections

That said, I had issues with the writing style. While simple and easy to read, the dialogue often felt immature. Shiloh, in particular, sometimes sounded like a 17-year-old trapped in a 33-year-old’s body. Her immaturity in addressing her feelings could be frustrating, and some readers may find her voice irritating.

Overall, this book is evenly paced and accessible, funny at times and compassionate at others. The simplicity of the story may be a turn-off for readers who want more drama, conflict, and suspense. However, it reminds us of the true meaning of friendship and shows that past mistakes do not have to burn bridges. The theme of forgiveness also runs through the story. Despite his mother’s untruths, Cary stands by her and chooses to protect her interests. In the end, this is a story about ordinary lives, imperfect families, and the quiet strength of love and loyalty.

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Book Diaries

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