A review by kels_pd
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book depicts a kind of love that everyone wants and so few people get. 

I loved so many aspects of this novel. Getting to see the main characters grow from their childish selves into full flung adults with the problems and hardships to match. Getting to be a part of their reconnection. Getting to see those around them change and grow too. I loved being able to watch the changes and similarities over the years because it just felt so relatable and like I was reading about friends and not characters. It’s kind of impossible to not see aspects of them in yourself. 

That being said I felt like there was something lacking in the book but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I read another review that mentioned pacing issues and I do think that’s probably the best way to describe it. So often you hear about books with mushy middles but I think, if anything, the middle was my favourite part. The end seemed to drag. I’m glad it ended the way it did but it almost felt like there should’ve been more happening in the third act. 

While I would make some tweaks I absolutely would not fault the first 2/3rds of the book. It was wonderful and warm and I just loved sinking into that relationship and the could’ve, would’ve, should’ve. I think anyone looking for a slice of life love story with some lightness and great characters would love this book.