'Three Days in June' by Anne Tyler explores love, loss, and change

Anne Tyler’s Three Days in June captures a woman’s emotional journey through career setbacks and family drama.

Illustration by Georgiana Chitac

By Hayu Andini and Widya Putri

Three Days in June, by Anne Tyler

Anne Tyler’s latest novel, Three Days in June, is a tender yet sharp exploration of regret, resilience, and the unpredictability of life. The story centers on Gail Baines, a 61-year-old assistant head of a girls’ private school, who believes she is next in line for the top job when her boss retires. But Gail’s expectations are upended when she is bluntly told she lacks the necessary people skills for leadership.

Her boss, Marilee, does not mince words: “Face it: this job is a matter of people skills. You know that! And surely you’ll be the first to admit that social interactions have never been your strong point.” Marilee’s pointed example? Gail once told a mother, “Good God, Mrs. Morris, surely you realize your daughter doesn’t have the slightest chance of getting into Princeton.”

This professional disappointment stings, but Gail has no time to dwell on it—her daughter, Debbie, is getting married that weekend. What should be a joyous occasion quickly turns into a whirlwind of unexpected complications, not least because of the sudden arrival of Gail’s ex-husband, Max.

A wedding weekend full of surprises

Max, a well-meaning but exasperating figure with “the kind of beard that you’re not quite sure is deliberate,” arrives unannounced at Gail’s door. He was supposed to stay with Debbie, but in typical Max fashion, he has complicated matters—he’s brought along his elderly cat, despite the fact that Debbie’s fiancé is severely allergic.

Gail and Max’s dynamic is defined by stark contrasts. Max is carefree and boundaryless; Gail is all about structure and control. Their reunion over the wedding weekend forces them to confront their past, including the painful yet oddly humorous circumstances that led to their divorce.

As the wedding festivities unfold, tensions rise. The groom’s mother is gratingly overenthusiastic, social missteps abound, and Gail finds herself navigating an emotional minefield. The novel captures these moments with Anne Tyler’s signature wit and keen eye for human nature, making even the smallest interactions resonate with depth and humor.

A reflection on relationships and personal growth

Beyond the wedding chaos, Three Days in June delves into Gail and Max’s courtship and marriage, revealing a surprising—and perhaps not entirely believable—event that ultimately tore them apart. Tyler, a master of chronicling everyday melancholy, infuses the novel with a sense of wistful reflection.

Despite its engaging premise and moments of humor, Three Days in June does not always land with the emotional weight one might expect. Some of its quirkiness feels slightly forced, and while the novel offers moments of insight, it occasionally falls into predictable patterns. The result is a book that, like a slice of wedding cake, is sweet but somewhat bland.

A charming yet imperfect novel

For longtime fans of Anne Tyler, Three Days in June delivers the qualities that have made her a beloved author—gentle humor, flawed but endearing characters, and an exploration of the small yet significant moments that shape our lives. While it may not be her most powerful work, it remains a thoughtful and entertaining read, offering a bittersweet look at love, loss, and the passage of time.

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