Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend and The Bridges of Madison County

by Robert James Waller

If you've ever experienced the one true love of your life, a love that for some reason could never be, you will understand why readers all over the world were so moved by this small, unknown first novel that they made it a publishing phenomenon and number one bestseller. The story of Robert Kincaid, the photographer and kindrid spirit searching for the covered bridges of Madison County, and Francesca Johnson, the farm wife waiting for the fulfillment of a girlhood dream, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY gives voice to the longings of men and women everywhere-and shows us what it is to love and be loved so intensely that life is never the same again. 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.

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

Published January 1, 1998

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

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much for taking my time, making this book last or even using the reward system. Waller told this complicated tale with a delicate and insightful touch.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 4 stars because it’s 5 to the first story and 3 to the second.
A re read….. I read it about 30 years ago and Bridges of Madison County stayed with me and I always loved the movie. I couldn’t remember anything about the second one I wanted to revisit BoMC and while it has some changes in the movie that I didn’t realise I still very much love Francesca and Robert’s story, I sob in anticipation of “those big moments”.
Slow Waltz is def slow…. I loved the parts in India but didn’t feel for the characters in the same way. Read BMC but skip the other one …. Though neither are big.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bridges of Madison County is the best love story I have ever read. I don't usually read love stories or write reviews but I'm so glad I read this story, it moved me to tears. I found Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend too much on the same theme and it just didn't hit the same spot as Bridges of Mafison County.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read 'The Bridges of Madison County' so far but wow!! I don't usually go for love stories very often but this was recommended to me as a light easy read and also a beautiful story. I think this is one of the best books I've read and it will stay with me for a long time. Such a powerful and beautiful story.

* Edited to add the I've just finished reading the second story in this book 'Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend'. I really enjoyed this story, I couldn't wait to find out what happened in the end. Another beautiful story although I did prefer Bridges of Madison County out of the two.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, very short and sort of forgettable.

[Madisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Just read "The Bridges of Madison County"

I AM not really a fan of romantic novels but this story is so powerful and Simple and RAW. The best romantic novel i have ever read!

[Caroline Mason-Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

very good story but bad narrative framing

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyrical and gentle love stories

[Elaine Darlington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Bridges of Madison County romantic rubbish I suppose , but just adored it and cried, totally unheard of for me.
Wish I'd been somewhere remote and read it in the winter in front of a log fire with a bottle of wine and really indulged myself.
Read it and just embrace the crap!

Don't bother with Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read by Robert James Waller.

The story line was fascinating in moving back and forth from Iowa to India. The writing brought a beautiful vision of the India and all it's majesty. And a beautiful and complicated love story.

[Karen Koenig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the characters.