My Life in the Milonga: One Woman's Journey into Argentine Tango, a Story of Passion, Self-Discovery and Human Connection by Susan Ring is a non-fiction memoir about Susan’s life-altering experience with tango and Argentina. This book is divided into several chapters that focus on Susan’s life, especially in recent years. After being raised by a mother who often taunted her and who had narcissistic tendencies, and a long marriage with a husband who also displayed selfish traits, Susan finally starts establishing herself in middle life while coming into her own. While she does have a daughter and a circle of friends, she still feels that something is missing and seems to find it with her introduction to the dance form of tango and its South American tradition. Over the years, she starts spending more time in Argentina and takes lessons to become better and better at the dance. In the process, she feels a sense of joy and freedom which she hasn’t felt in her life before and this is what forms the theme of the book.

I liked reading My Life in the Milonga by Susan Ring and found myself rooting for Susan. Despite being in dysfunctional relationships in the past, she has found her passion in life in her middle age and this is encouraging for everyone to read. Her writing style is casual and candid and her passion and love for tango and what it means to her are very apparent. More importantly, this story is about finding what makes you happy at any age or stage in life and hopefully provides inspiration to others to go after their dreams. This is an enjoyable, well-written book.

After decades of criticism and other forms of emotional abuse by her mother, and then ex-husband, Susan Ring decided it was time to change her life. With a life-long passion for travel, she decided it was time to finally venture to Buenos Aires and learn how to dance the tango, an item on her bucket list. Dancing the tango became part of the fabric of her new life, as she grew in confidence and understanding of the importance of human connectedness. In My Life in the Milonga: One Woman’s Journey into Argentine Tango, a Story of Passion, Self-Discovery and Human Connection, penned by Susan Ring, a healing path is forged as she immerses herself in the Argentinian dance and culture.

There are many great features of this book that I enjoyed. Anyone who loves to learn about different cultures will certainly enjoy the detailed descriptions of Buenos Aires and its barrios; its kind and compassionate people; the milongas where the tango is danced. The culture of the milongas themselves is certainly fascinating – how men “ask” a woman to dance and how she can say no, preventing any hurt feelings; the sensual dresses and shoes women wear; the physical closeness; the roles of leader and follower; the list goes on. How Susan learns to navigate these complex expectations is fascinating. As time goes on, she compares life lessons to those experienced in learning the tango, a thought-provoking perspective. Author Susan Ring has crafted an intriguing memoir in My Life in the Milonga: One Woman’s Journey into Argentine Tango, a Story of Passion, Self-Discovery and Human Connection. An enjoyable read!