Reviews A compact, moving story of an older woman

The structure of the story, divided into three brisk chapters, reflects author Anne Tyler's mastery of the short story form

- Ong Sor Fern

Elderly women are a much neglected demographic in novels, but this is changing. From mass-appeal romps like Deanna Raybourn's Killers Of A Certain Age to more considered tales such as Ann Patchett's Tom Lake, this invisible demographic is gaining more ground.

The latest addition to this growing body of work is Three Days In June. At 61, protagonist Gail Baines is a mere stripling to author Anne Tyler's own 83 years. But, as the title proclaims, Gail is about to be tested over three short days before, during and after her daughter Debbie's wedding.

Expecting to be promoted when her boss announces her retirement, Gail is instead told she is too old for the position, which will be filled by someone younger. The former mathematics teacher and current school administrator walks out of work in a huff.

The disruption to her expectations and routine continues when her former husband Max shows up on her doorstep with a cat. Then, there is the fact that her only daughter is getting married.

As in Tom Lake, nothing much happens in Three Days In June. Yet, there is a lot going on.