Summary
Robert James Waller: A Light Waltz at Cedar Bend
The novel Light Waltz at Cedar Bend is the second bestseller by Robert James Waller, a writer, photographer, musician, and professor of economics at the University of Iowa. The first novel The Bridges of Madison County was on all the best-selling lists across America for more than 120 weeks. There are autobiographical elements in both novels. The men are in their forties, have a higher education, have their own value system and are considered weirdos by other people. Women are also in their forties, especially beautiful, mysterious, with strong emotions that they have to hide, separated from their surroundings... Light Waltz in Cedar Bend is a tender and romantic love story experienced by two mature people. Through the narration of the other protagonists of the novel, we get to know our main characters Michael Tillman and Jellie Braden, from their childhood to the present day. Michael is a professor, a loner, somewhat of a recluse, and Jellie is married to his colleague at the university. In some respects she is a traditional woman, but in the depths of her soul she is emancipated. From the moment they met, a light waltz of cautious steps begins between two people, aware of their mutual attraction, but also of the consequences that would occur if they surrendered to their feelings. What they feel for each other, they try to smother in the bud. Both Michael and Jellie know India, because they have been there before. The action begins in India, we get to know the expanses, people and customs of ancient India. Michael looks for Jellie, the woman of his life who fled America to sort out his turbulent feelings and come to his senses. Past and present, America and India intertwine. At the end of the book, sincere feelings grow into love for which there are no obstacles.
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