Anne Tyler’s ‘Three Days in June’ explores love, regret, and resilience

Anne Tyler’s latest novel delves into family dynamics, nostalgia, and second chances with her signature storytelling style.

Illustration by Stella Levi

By Sarah Oktaviany

Three Days in June, by Anne Tyler

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Baltimore, a city known for Edgar Allan Poe, The Wire, and Diner, is also home to one of America’s most beloved novelists—Anne Tyler. Her 25th novel, Three Days in June, is set for release next week, offering another glimpse into the intricacies of family life and personal growth.

While not among her best works, Three Days in June maintains Tyler’s signature themes—family, resilience, and the fragile balance between disappointment and redemption. The novel revolves around Gail Baines, a 61-year-old woman at a crossroads, dealing with career setbacks, a daughter’s upcoming wedding, and an unexpected reunion with her ex-husband.

A protagonist caught in transition

Gail, the assistant headmistress of a private girl’s school, is being pushed into early retirement. Her straightforward nature—often perceived as bluntness—has made her unpopular among influential parents. At the same time, her daughter, Debbie, is preparing for marriage, though concerns about the groom’s fidelity loom over the festivities.

Adding to Gail’s emotional turmoil, her ex-husband Max arrives in town for the wedding, bringing with him a stray cat in need of a home. Their interactions oscillate between old resentments and the possibility of rekindled affection.

Anne Tyler’s signature storytelling

Tyler’s writing remains as effortless as ever, with a keen eye for mundane yet profound moments. In Three Days in June, characters engage in simple yet meaningful acts—microwaving potpies, observing post-pandemic social changes, and reminiscing about a bygone era. The novel is largely detached from modern cultural references, existing in a timeless space where television screens still protrude from walls and conversations feel reminiscent of an earlier generation.

Gail’s introspection is central to the novel’s emotional depth. She questions whether her critical nature and pursuit of perfection have led her to an unfulfilled life. Her dynamic with Max, a free-spirited and affectionate contrast to her reserved demeanor, forms the heart of the story. As they navigate their past and present, the novel explores the tension between independence and the longing for connection.

A return to familiar themes

Longtime readers of Tyler will recognize echoes of her past works in Three Days in June. Her celebrated novels—Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, The Accidental Tourist, and Breathing Lessons—all examine family complexities with warmth and wit. In Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, a character famously warns, “It’s closeness that does you in. Never get too close to people, son.” Gail, in many ways, embodies this cautious approach to relationships, grappling with her hesitations and regrets.

Throughout the novel, Gail clings to familiarity, even in her food preferences, which serve as metaphors for comfort and nostalgia. Her resistance to change is reflected in her reluctance to embrace modernity, much like the characters that have defined Tyler’s literary world.

A novel that lingers

While Three Days in June may not rank among Tyler’s greatest works, it offers a poignant exploration of self-discovery and second chances. The novel unfolds with a quiet intensity, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships, choices, and the weight of time.

For fans of Tyler’s storytelling, this book serves as a reminder of why her narratives continue to resonate. Even when the pages do not turn themselves, the journey remains worthwhile.

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