The Borrowers Book Group at Kesgrave Library share their thoughts on Three Days in June by Anne Tyler, a funny, touching, hopeful story of love, marriage and second chances.
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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.
Book Group Review
This is a short story, very readable, which focuses on relationships rather than plot. The reader is drawn in by the characters which are so realistic – never perfect but always interesting.
At the beginning the main character Gail comes across as brittle and defensive, described rather brutally by The Headteacher as ‘lacks people skills’. Her character changed and softened as the book developed, so the reader responds more positively towards her.
Max, the main male character, is irritating but amiable, and we see how cleverly the author offers a new phase in life which changes three of her characters. We include here the cat Celine!
The book with its slick humour, play on words and acutely observed focus on individuals, is in a similar style to that of Elizabeth Strout. Just as in real life, there are no tidy neat endings, so we are left with questions about the future for Gail, Max, Debbie and of course, the cat!
Recommendation: A short and comfortable read, ‘like putting on a favourite pair of slippers.’ Well observed on relationships.
