#BookReview of Three Days in June by Anne Tyler | #Audiobooks

‘The happily ever after is only part of the story…‘
Three days in June

[ About Three Days in June ]

It’s the day before her daughter’s wedding and things are not going well for Gail Baines. First thing, she loses her job – or quits, depending who you ask. Then her ex-husband Max turns up at her door expecting to stay for the festivities. He doesn’t even have a suit. Instead, he’s brought memories, a shared sense of humour – and a cat looking for a new home.

Just as Gail is wondering what’s next, their daughter Debbie discovers her groom has been keeping a secret…

As the big day dawns, the exes just can’t agree on what’s best for Debbie. Gail is seriously worried, while Max seems more concerned with whether to opt for the salmon or prime rib at the reception, if they make it that far.

The day after the wedding, Gail and Max prepare to go their separate ways again. But all the questions about the future of the happy couple have stirred up the past for Gail. Because ‘happy’ takes many forms, and sometimes the younger generation has much to teach the older about secrets, acceptance and taking the rough with the smooth.

[ My Review ]

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler published February 13th 2025 with Penguin and is described as ‘a funny, touching, hopeful gem about love, marriage and second chances‘. As many of you know I rarely select audiobooks but there are a few times when it really just fits the moment. I have been in my car quite a lot recently and I needed a distraction from the world. Recently, I saw a post on X by Claire Gleeson, author of Show Me Where it Hurts, where she was highly recommending it. Claire listened via the Borrowbox app so I immediately reserved it for myself through the library and was delighted when it landed sooner than expected.

Read by J. Smith-Cameron and less than five hours duration, Three Days in June is a stunning presentation from Bolinda Audio. I truly felt that Gail Baines was actually narrating her own story. As the name suggests, the book is set over a three day period, during which Gail’s daughter Debbie is getting married. Gail is an assistant head a local school and the day before the wedding she receives unpalatable news from the head mistress that throws her off kilter. Arriving home to her house she contemplates what to do when her ex-husband Max unexpectedly appears looking for a place to stay.

Gail and Max have had a rocky number of years following the break up of their marriage but now, after been thrown together for a few days, Gail starts to look back over her life. She recalls the early days of their relationship and accepts her part in the fracture of their marriage. She has lived alone for a number of years and has become used to the fact that this is to be her future but now….

As Gail and Max negotiate the three days, with a mix of ups and downs, Gail takes a step back to consider what it is she really wants and what is she prepared to change.

Anne Tyler writes like no other. Her character development, her description of ordinary people are exquisitely conveyed. The everyday becomes something very exceptional in her capable hands. As Gail navigates her past, present and future the reader is secure in the knowledge that a beautiful tale is unfolding. There is a lightness of touch, an extraordinary intimacy in every detail depicted and Smith-Cameron’s reading captures the essence of the story.

Three Days in June is a stunning observation of the mundane lives of ordinary people. Its simplicity is its magic and Anne Tyler’s intimate pen and wry humour blend into this delicate and elegant story. I loved it and I will honestly miss Gail’s wonderful reflections on her life. A gem of a tale, one not to be missed.

Thanks to Claire Gleeson for her bang-on recommendation and I am now passing it on for you to pick it up.

[ Bio ]