"Three Days in June" | Reviewed by Chris Stuckenschneider

There are writers whose work we never miss—favorite authors we return to, revisiting them like old friends. Anne Tyler is at the top of my favorites’ list.

In “Three Days in June,” the 25th book she’s written, Tyler once again delivers like she did with “A Spool of Blue Thread,” (shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, 2015) “The Amateur Marriage, and “Breathing Lessons,” which was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1988.

Book after book Tyler impresses with her simple, empathic voice, creating contemplative, character driven stories that leave a lasting impression as they focus on human nature, relationships and personal growth. Tyler is a brilliant observer of life.

What a delight to get to know her newest protagonist, Gail, a 61-year-old woman facing a crossroads. The headmistress of the private school where Gail works calls her in for a “chat,” telling Gail she’ll soon be retiring. Gail assumes she’s going to be offered the headmistress position, after all she’s been assistant for 11 years, but the opposite occurs. Gail is put out to pasture, replaced because she is told she doesn’t have the proper “people skills” to do the job.

Divorced for many years, Gail can’t afford to stop working. As she contemplates what she’s going to do, her ex-husband, Max, arrives at her house with an aged female cat he’s fostering. Gail hadn’t been expecting him. Max was supposed to stay with their daughter Debbie, whose wedding is the following day. That didn’t pan out because Debbie’s intended is “deathly allergic” to cats. Max assumes that Gail will agree to keep the cat at her house until after all the wedding when Max will take it home.

Gail and Max split when Debbie was just a youngster, for reasons hinted at in the book, which isn’t long, at 164 pages, but is packed with sentiment.  It’s clear Gail and Max care for one another, and as Gail grieves losing her daughter to a man she has concerns about, Max sincerely listens and buoys her up. Tyler never states the reason for Max and Gail’s divorce, but instead sparingly scatters seeds of suspicion regarding their breakup, fingers seeming to point to Max.

“Three Day in June” takes place the day before Debbie’s wedding, on the wedding day and the day after. In that short period of time, Gail and Max’s past, present and future are revealed in a lovely book that will bring smiles, tears and recommendations.

There’s plenty to discuss in this story of love, commitment, forgiveness and hope, a perfect read to celebrate and share. Now all we have to do is wait for Tyler’s next treasure.

Buy the Book.