Three Days In June

 

Three Days in June by Ann Tyler felt like I was reading something authored by the fictional character Lucy Barton in an Elizabeth Strout novel. The entire book read like a play-by-play description of the most mundane, ordinary activities of the main character. Luckily, I identified with Gail Baines, a socially awkward teacher in her 60s who has just been let go from her job as assistant headmistress at a swanky private school. 

Granted, a few conflicts unfold to keep things moving along in this quick read, and that’s what kept me going. However, drab dialogue like the following didn’t make it easy. 

I said, “Oh.” I said, “I hadn’t considered that.”

The story takes place in the Baltimore area during the three days surrounding the wedding of Gail’s only daughter, Debbie. The book opens with the bad news being delivered to Gail by her boss and supposed friend Marilee. The reason given is her lack of people skills which Gail appears not to dispute.

Along the way, the arrival of Gail’s ex-husband with a kitten complicates the situation. In flashbacks, the demise of their marriage as well as Gail’s relationship with her own mother are revisited. A small hiccup between bride and groom as well as the antics of the overbearing in-laws also factor into the plot and nudge it along.

Tyler is the author of many books including The Accidental Tourist which I read but can’t recall anything about it. A Spool of Blue thread found its way onto my Want To Read list a while ago, but I think I’ll give myself space before I try another Tyler novel.

I did, however, download one of her short stories, Teenage Wasteland, because it was free on Kindle. I will update if I ever finish reading that.