Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend

by Robert James Waller

The author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller The Bridges of Madison County once again brings characters and situations with his special blend of lyricism and magic. This is a bittersweet story about two good people who discover that true love, when it comes, is rarely fair, or right--or without pain.

Cover photo: ©Tony Stone Images

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Adult Fiction, Novels, India

197 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 1993

About the author

Robert James Waller was an American author also known for his work as a photographer and musician. Several of his books have been on the New York Times bestseller list including 1992's The Bridges of Madison County, which was the top best-seller in 1993. Both that novel and his 1995 novel, Puerto Vallarta Squeeze, have been made into motion pictures.

Reviews

[Maria Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tan suave como besar... Sí, algo así, casi como una caricia que no ya esperas recibir; íntima y sensual, delicada. Y digo que ya no esperas recibir porque esta clase de historias son como pequeñas mariposas que sólo se dejan ver en días nublados; cuando vas a la biblioteca en busca de una historia que logre distraerte y cae en tus manos una pequeña joya, revoltosa, efímera quizá, que te atrapa y ya no deja ir.

[W · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't as good as The Bridges of Madison County,but still entertaining enough.The central mystery kept me turning the pages till the very end.

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm making an effort to read some of the books that I've accumulated from other people over the years, things that I wouldn't normally read. This was one of those books. There were several things to dislike about it, for me.

First, it's a romance about adultery. What is Waller's deal with this? I don't get it. Why does he keep trying to make adultery okay? Jimmy Braden was kind of boring but, it's not like he was abusive or an a-hole.

Second, what attracted these two people to each other? I never really got it. I never quite understood why Michael was so infatuated that he followed this woman halfway around the world.

Third, really? There was no fallout when he found Jellie? Sure, right. It went way too smoothly.

Fourth, Jellie was kind of a d-bag.

It wasn't SO terrible that I was unable to slog through it but, it was still pretty bad. I'm happy to get this book off my bookshelf and out of my house.

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a book hoarder, I have collected and read way too many novels. This is the first one that I put in the goodwill bin. It was so incredibly bad. The writing was cliche, the plot predictable, the sex references disjointed and sloppy, the whole love affair in general uninspired. Plot holes showed up throughout, and the characters were simply blah. I only finished it because it was mercilessly short, and I'm a bit hardheaded about finishing books. I read and enjoyed Bridges of Madison County when I was about 13. I cringe to think what I would this of that novel upon a reread.

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 2 out of 5]

A friend of mine recommended this to me shortly after she finished it. She particularly enjoyed it, but unfortunately, I couldn't really get into it. I realized about halfway through that I didn't really care about the characters any more. Plus, it's quite predictable and stereotypical. Even though it is quite short at 197 pages, but it still felt like very little action happened.

[William Galaini · Rating 2 out of 5]

When evaluated and weighed deeply after completing it, Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend is surprisingly forgettable. This is a very average book that honestly offers little except for a few manipulative moments that grasp at the reader's emotions. It is almost coldly produced; a book targeting a specific demographic with the intention of "gosh, they'll love this" that is far too obvious to be effective.

Forbidden love, middle-aged cowboy/professor, heavy handed romantic settings, a deep, dark secret, a runaway rendezvous to India, and pretty much any other trope is found here. The writing is cliche, the imagery thin, and the characters themselves fairly unsympathetic.

Sorry, while it clearly has a spot for a narrow demographic, I can't shake the feeling that this book was 'manufactured.'

[Rachi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring in so many ways oh my god. The story was a cliché, the characters didn't have any personality or whatsoever, the plot was predictable. And those times when there was some subtle sex were boring and mood breaking. I mean I was reading "she couldn't stop thinking about him..." and then BAM "and how much she'd like to press her bare breasts against him". Oh please!
I read it fast because I didn't wanted to sacrifice more of my time with this.

[Suz · Rating 2 out of 5]

First book from this author, I was not fussed on this book. Apart from the fact I found it hard to delve into, I just didn't overly enjoy the read. I think from curiosity I will read The Bridges of Madison County though.

[Windy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overall, just a stupid book.

[Karlyflower *The Vampire Ninja, Luminescent Monster & Wendigo Nerd Goddess of Canada (according to The Hulk)* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life is a messy business, full of bad choices and I-wish-I-could-take-it-backs, but that's life.

Slow Waltz In Cedar Bend is about a man named Michael who finds himself drawn to his co-worker and friend's wife. Chaos insues.

(Now I feel I must say that I am what they call a serial monogamist. You make a choice and stick with it or you don't and you get out.
Harsh, it's true, but I believe it. That being said that is my belief and just as I don't think you should push religious beliefs on others the same can be said of my moral beliefs. Choice is important and monogamy is mine but it doesn't work for everyone.)

Jellie made a choice as well. She married a man she wasn't in love with, out of fear or heartbreak or some such thing. Her husband Jimmy is a good man, hardworking, honest but also boring (really, really BORING) and Michael with his heavy-hitter brains and unorthadox style is naturally intriguing to her.

This is an interestingly written story. It drags when the characters emotions drag, rushes when they rush and winds along the road quietly too.

I enjoy the fact that Waller's characters lives exist in constant changeability. There is no cut and dried answer. It's all a choice. Life is messy.... and love is the messiest of all.

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yawn. Bridges of Madison County with different characters. And what is it with this guy who finds such passion in writing about marital affairs?? Move on...

[La Bruja Lectora (Tata) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Le doy 3.5 estrellas, bello libro, te deja una sensación de nostalgia agradable, es como una caricia en tu alma, un amor libre pero muy complicado, un solitario profesor de universidad se enamora de una estudiante de antropología casada (aparentemente el autor le gustan estos romances), llevan una relación entre 2 continentes, cargada de los bellos paisajes de Iowa y la India, definitivamente es una historia para recordar, reconozco que me gusto mas este libro que Los Puentes de Madison.

Lo recomendaría? no lo se, tienes que leerlo y me cuentas.....

[John Quigley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some of my favorite moments with reading have been in serendipitous moments where I spotted a book that I knew nothing about that I just happened to procure for free, maybe off the street or maybe from a friend's dad who gives away free books seemingly every time you see him these days, and I picked it up and said, "sure why not."

This book is one reason why not.

[Tonjia Atomic · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was arguably the worst book I've ever read. The main character was an arrogant misogynist who is going through a mid-life crisis by showing off his ridiculous machismo. He's got a motorcycle which he keeps in his living room if I remember correctly. He steals the wife of a colleague, but it's okay because he is obviously the better man.
He hates every woman that he knows except for the ones that he's slept with. With those women he has a sort of wink-wink nudge-nudge relationship with. He also has this internal monologue that is condescending towards the other characters (because he's so much better of course) which sounds suspiciously like the author's own voice. There is even this pseudo-spiritual stare down with a tiger in India at the end. Of course the tiger senses that he is an alright manly-man and therefore decides to let his virile brother go his own way.
This book was a HI-LARIOUS read. I couldn't put it down. The prose is just as silly as the story. We passed this book around at work for sheer guilty entertainment. This is a must read for any intelligent avid reader who loves the kitsch value of bad writing.
Someone stated that it is better than Bridges of Madison County?! I've got to pick that up next!

[Jodi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, maybe I can't actually mark this as read... I started this book because it was on a list of recommendations for people who like Nicholas Sparks. I read the first 40 pages or so in one day but quickly decided I shouldn't finish it. The whole basis of the story is immoral--a professor who falls in love with his colleague's wife--and even in the first 40 pages or so, I could tell it was not an appropriate book.

Why can't there just be some clean and moral love stories written? Got any good suggestions? I hear Anita Stansfield is really good, but since she's an LDS author, I'd have to buy her books in order to read them. (I'm a huge fan of the library!)

[Nicci · Rating 1 out of 5]

What is it with infidelity that makes us want to read about it. I was unsuccessful in reading this book because I quickly grew weary of the main character lusting after another man's wife.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from author Robert James Waller

Every since I read Bridges of Madison County by this author and fell completely in love with his writing style and the delivery and reality of his characters I've been itching to read more. He's written quite a few books and I didn't care which I picked up, I just wanted to read them all. I happened to run across this during one of many bookstore raids. I practically snatched it off the shelf and held it to my chest as if securing it from the envious hands of other shoppers. This was at the used bookstore and I'm absolutely convinced whomever turned it in either really needed the money, selflessly wanted to share or just did not know what golden nugget they were giving up. Obviously, I liked it.

I'm getting the feeling, having read two books now, that Mr. Waller is either in some way very much like his middle aged, slightly sexy, rugged male characters or possibly lives vicariously through them. At any rate, here we are again with another man who is a little quiet but full of thought, walks to the beat of his own drum but when it comes to love for that special soul connected.. He loves good and hard. No matter what else life has for her path.. A Robert James Waller man will be the love of your life..your after life and your entire existence!

You never know what life's path has in store for you. For Jellie (pronounced JahLAY) Markham-Velayudum-Braden her three last names each hold the key to the story of her life as three different women. Only one man has the fearlessness, determination and a love strong enough to unlock the truth of who she really is. Dr. Michael Tillman. He prefers just "Michael". He's a small town boy grown into a down to earth economics professor. He in his jeans, jean shirts, long hair and Shadow (old motorcycle which he keeps in his tiny apartment living room) are the complete opposite of what one would think a highly intelligent, tenured economics professor should look like in 1978. He's a rebel from a bygone age slipping quietly through middle age with riding his motorcycle through the Iowa hills and the terrorization of his students with hard work as his only thrill. Until in walks Jellie to a faculty party with her husband a new professor. This is where the adventure begins. The time period, late 70's to early 80's, it's historical fiction. There is travel and culture as well.

I'm giving this book 4 stars. Really dig the writing style. Really enjoyed the story. I also became attached to the characters by the middle of the book. What I really like and it may be a trademark of this author I'm not sure, but there were 197 pages. Not 1000+ and there was still an enjoyable story, great writing and character connection. Not always is less more but not always is more better. I'm sure there could have been more in certain area but it was not necessary.
Diva analogy: When it's needed the whole designer royal jewel set can be regal and amazing! But sometimes all that's necessary is one pure strand of pearls.
Moral of the story: sometimes less wins best.

I recommend it! Of course I'll read more by this author as soon as I can get my hands on the books.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Tillman wasn't a foolish young man, rushing off in pursuit of intangible dreams. He was a down-to-earth, middle-aged, maverick economics professor who still rode a motorcycle that he'd had since he was a teenager. He also never believed in love at first sight, or at least he hadn't until he laid eyes on her...the woman of his dreams.

Her name was Jellie Braden and she was the wife of one of Michael's colleagues, someone who he met at a university in Cedar Bend, Iowa. It was actually mutual attraction at first sight between Michael and the introspective, dark-haired wife of his new colleague. It called forth feelings that just wouldn't disappear.

From the very first instant he saw her, Michael had wanted Jellie with every fiber of his being. Something deep inside had whispered, "That's the one." And Jellie Braden, in her fortieth year, had heard that voice, too.

Their feelings force these two people to come to terms with their lives in ways they hadn't imagined, and it led them both into the magical places only lovers know. But it also brought with it the pain of choices and loss. Jellie wasn't a free woman. She had secrets of her own to keep, and then one day Jellie mysteriously vanishes without an explanation.

So, a year after they met, Michael finds himself heading into the strange, exotic world of south India looking for her. He is a mature man, certain of what he wants; and he's determined to travel the world searching for Jellie to discover the secrets she was hiding and learn what he has to do to make her his...

Although this was Robert James Waller's second novel after the New York Times bestseller The Bridges of Madison County, it is the first book that I've read by this particular author. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story was absolutely delightful in my opinion; the characters were incredibly well-developed and the story was poignant and heartwarming. I found myself really rooting for these characters, hoping that everything would work out well for them. I give this book an A+! and will certainly be looking for more from this author in the future.

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

A "fluff" romance compared to the more complex books I've been reading.
A mid-western Professor falls hard for the wife of one of his colleagues. She falls hard for him too. They fight it; they give in to passion. She goes far, far away. Her husband says he can't go find her because of his teaching schedule. Her would be partner follows her to India. Michael guesses where she might be and starts looking for her among India's dense population. Guess he'll probably find her. He has to or this book is without purpose entirely. And it has to be soon because this 200 page shorty is more than one half spoken for. The only fly in Michael's ointment besides where is Jellie in all of India is...she has been having thoughts about a dark skinned man feeling her body and that was during another time she was here in India. Who is this man? Her husband knew about it, but he was sworn to secrecy. And this romance is written by a man...hard to believe. Robert James Waller's other book, Bridges of Madison County was read by me years and years ago. I wasn't overly impressed with that book, but Hollywood and Clint Eastwood made a profitable movie from it, so who am I to judge?
Have to sleep now, so tomorrow maybe I will learn how Michael finds his searing love, Jellie and what her huge Indian secret really entails. Jellie is in some kind of a sticky situation and Michael wants to be the peanut butter in her sandwich.
The ending was hardly better than the rest.

[Melissa Lee-Tammeus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, who didn't love the movie Brides of Madison County? I certainly did. So, when I saw this was a novel by the same author, I snatched it up hoping for the same feel of that first romance of Waller's. Unfortunately, no such luck. These characters, as much as they were made to seem multi-layered, came off as hurried, one dimensional characters that somehow, we, as readers, were expected to fall in love with immediately. I had the most difficult time even picturing these characters which seemed like cliches - the older misunderstood quiet yet bold professor who was single, in a tiny unkempt house who rode his motorcycles on the weekends and claimed to be a lonely keep to himself kind of guy; he inadvertently meets his stuffy, normal run of the mill coworker's wife who suddenly makes him lose his mind in a few short conversations. Then the author tries to lead us on a quick chase through a deep secret in India, which really is quite anti-climatic (how is a having a child some sort of terrible, hidden secret these days?) And then we are whisked into this one chapter synopsis of the woman's doubts in leaving her husband for this crazy motorcycle man. Oh, brother. So, there you have it. I think Waller should have just rode on Madison a bit longer and left this one in India. Can anyone say Lifetime movie?

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this book and listened to this book so many times. I try to reconnect to it at least once a year as I have a great fondness for the way Robert James Waller puts words together on a page. Others may find him too descriptive, but I like to be able to feel that kiss on the back of my neck. . . It's not just smut, there is a good storyline, too.

[Kelly Crosgrove Sullivan Bredon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love RJW's writing style, very descriptive, economic bend to it, along with some romance and travel to India .... Perfect book for me!

[Naemi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was similar to his other work The bridges of Madison county - which I highly enjoyed!
It gave me the same feels.
With both these books I more enjoyed the feelings the books gave me (during and after reading) rather than the plot (if that makes sense).

But I like how Robert James Waller describes people in his novels.

Ex.

"She imagined Micheal sitting at their dining room table. Strange and different Michael Tillman, big-shouldered and brown-eyed with brown hair longer than the approval length for business school faculty member. A little something out of the ordinary. Sunburned in the faces, almost a workingman's face, as if he'd be comfortable cashing his paycheck in a bar across the street from where he might have worked as a machinist. And his long, smooth fingers with the faintest imprint of grease even hard scrubbing couldn't remove."

Didn't really like the ending, except maybe the last page. I'm not sure yet.

P.s. they mentioned the song Cracklin' Rosie by Neil Diamond in the book and it was really good!

[Elaina Siler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was nothing I would have expected. It was passed to me by my cousin, and was passed to her from her mother, and was passed to her from her aunt. My great aunt found it with her mother's signature with completing the book in 1996. This book was nothing I would have ever imagined my great Mimi to read, but it also gave me more insight that she was just a woman who also loved a romantic drama. There were parts that made me blush thinking my great Mimi also read the words on the pages. I'm glad I took my time with a story that women of all generations of my family have read.

Also, for my review---I would say 3/5 stars because it was a little jumpy, but I do love a good ole flashback/flash forward. It received the extra star for the sentimental aspect. Also, Jelly is a very indecisive lady and Michael is a tad annoying. I would say the real MVPs were the animals.

[David Veith · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 Not what I normally read, but enjoyed it. Long story short Professor falls in love with a married woman. She has a bit of a troubled past, but feels the same way about him. She leaves for India (where her troubled past comes from) and he follows and love ensues. Could have ended book sooner, but then it does go on for about 20 more pages of their story, which was ok, but not needed. Well written and easy to read.

[Aria · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at p. 11, end of the 1st chapter. The MC meets the wife of his new colleague at a dinner party & goes on to imagine graphically fucking her. He does that 3 times before the chapter ends, but it's okay, we're told, b/c he's incorrigible, eccentric, a rebel...............or some stupid bullshit. He's actually a bitter asshole who we already know will later go all over India looking for this woman so he can nail her. Idc wtf else happens I'm done.

[Diana]

I liked that it was written from a man's perspective, but it was too much (in my opinion) about the logistics (who went where and when) and not much about feelings and desire and emotion. I hate to say it is typically male, but that is what I was thinking. Easy to read and no surprises.

[Astrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5
Mitt lilla myrorna-köp visade sig va en riktigt trevlig historia! Min bästa beskrivning skulle väl vara att det märks att den är skriven av en man, fast på ett positivt sätt - rak, ärlig, inga krusiduller liksom. Är väl dålig feminism av mig att säga att det är manliga egenskaper men that’s the best I can do I’m afraid. Tyvärr jättekär i Michael o behöver nu hitta en rätt butter professor som kör motorcykel och tror på kärlek vid första ögonkastet, var finns han månntro??

[Nora · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah not so good.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a romance this was good… but, I liked Bridges of Madison County much better!