The Dance, by Suzie Carr, is not your average lesbian romance book. It’s more like a book from the spirituality section of the store, rather than from the lesbian fiction corner. That’s a compliment, by the way! This book has a profound message of healing, reconnecting with nature and (of course) love.

If you are looking for a book that will stop you in your tracks and make you look at your life and loved ones a bit differently, then The Dance should be your next read. I heard about this book through a wonderful interview with the author on The Girls Hour podcast and immediately decided I wanted to read The Dance.

The story
Dog trainer Jacky Applebaum is trying to deal with the loss of her beloved wife Drew – and desperately fighting for a chance to reconnect with her stepdaughter Sophie. When the spirited beekeeper Brooke Hastings walks into their lives, Jacky and Sophie find the change of perspective they so desperately need to move on and start living again.

Why do you say it’s spiritual?

Suzie Carr clearly wants to send a message with this book. The character Brooke introduces us to a mindful way of living. She has an utmost respect for nature, bees and the here and now.  Jacky, on the other hand, is living a life filled with guilt and regrets. Last but not least, Sophie feels like a burden to her stepmom Jacky and is imprisoned by her own thoughts and feelings.

When Jacky and Sophie meet Brooke, the wisdom of  Brooke’s bees guides them to slowly open up a little and look at life differently. You, as the reader, are taken on a journey along with them. It’s a warm and tremendously touching story. Sure, it’s very saddening at times too. But that’s life after all.  Marriages fail, children feel lonely, loved ones die.

Is it a good book?

Yes, but I do feel like the book suffers from the message it wants to deliver at times.  I have the impression the author really wants us to reflect on so many things. But when you strip these philosophical passages from the story, the plot feels somewhat rushed at times. And that’s a bit of a shame, because I really enjoyed spending time with the three main characters.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading The Dance immensely. I think anyone can connect with this story and its characters. I cried several times while reading. I found myself missing Jacky and Sophie after finishing the book.  So yes, definitely a completely different read than I usually expect to get from a lesbian romance book, but one I’d highly recommend.

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