My book review of 'The People on Platform 5' by Clare Pooley

by Clare Pooley
The People on Platform 5
by Clare Pooley

Having read the author's first novel, The Authenticity Project, and loved it, I had high expectations of this book. And it far exceeded them. Just loved it!

But then whenever I take a train I am fascinated by the other passengers and wonder what lives they're leading. So I thought this book was just perfect.

"Every day at 8:05, Iona Iverson boards the train to go to work. Every day, she sees the same people and makes assumptions about them, even giving them nicknames. But they never speak. Obviously. Then, one morning, Smart-but-Sexist-Surbiton chokes on a grape right in front of Iona. Probably-a-Psychopath-New-Malden steps up to help and saves his life, and this one event sparks a chain reaction."

This is a warm, funny and touching tale of the community that springs up in a train carriage as the different passengers get to know each other.

No one would be aware of the difficulties they're each facing in their lives, but as they begin to talk, they get to know each other, and they start to trust and rely on each other. Ultimately they find that they have much to learn from each other, and much to give. It's lovely! Such an enjoyable read.

 

Date of this review:
Book publication date: 26th May 2022