Iona is a larger-than-life “ex” influencer who still influences. She tall, noticeable, and not at all apologetic. She sits in the same train car every morning, sees the same commuters, and has pet names for them all like “Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader” (if you commute, you know of whom she’s speaking) and Terribly-Lonely-Teenager. Anyone who has commuted for years, at the same time on the same train will see the same people. And of course, who cannot resist the allure of giving them pet names. What’s fun is that they all have pet names for her as well. To be honest, that sense of being enveloped in love and support is so profoundly present in The People on Platform 5 that it often feels like a great big warm hug; that’s not meant in any kind of flippant way at all but rather in the sense that being made to feel like you belong and matter is the one of the most powerful things you can do for anyone. Working for a woman's magazine, Iona grew popular over the years due to advice given to those struggling with life. In her 50s, she'd lived with her long time partner, Bea, who began to suffer with early Alzheimer symptoms and was eventually placed in a home. Her editor decides the magazine needs to attract a younger demographic and soon she's put on notice.

People on Platform 5’: Much-needed take on diversity and ‘The People on Platform 5’: Much-needed take on diversity and

A feel good read, with great characters to care about, it takes current issues seriously but adds plenty of humour * Choice *A magnificent, heart-warming novel celebrating the power of human connection - it's an absolute joy Freya Sampson, author of The Last Library Heartwarming, funny, a delicious dive into the profound and ridiculous modern world in which we live. Clare Pooley reminds us why we need each other * Tara Conklin, New York Times bestselling author *

People on Platform 5 (Audio Download): Clare Pooley The People on Platform 5 (Audio Download): Clare Pooley

I loved meeting the people on platform 5 - a delightful story about connection and friendship in a disconnected world Marianne Cronin, author of The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot Pooley pulls no punches when it comes to how uncompromisingly difficult and awful life can be, but she does so in a way that doesn’t feel hopeless and which comes with a sense that it might be possible to find a way through. As they all confront their failures and their fears, they must rely increasingly on their new train friends. But can their newfound friendship solve even the most heartbreaking of problems? Another totally original, thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying book from Clare Pooley. Full of original characters and wisdom, I absolutely loved it Katie Fforde When the manspreader chokes on a grape one morning, Sanjay, a young anxious nurse comes to the rescue after Iona calls for help. That one event unites five of the commuters.A feel-good read, with great characters to care about, it takes current issues seriously but adds plenty of humour Choice

The People on Platform 5 by Clare Pooley | Goodreads

Generally, our closest friends tend to be around the same age as us and share similar views and life experiences, which means that the help and advice they give you in tough times is probably advice you’d give yourself,” author Clare Pooley said in an interview with The Nerd Daily . Pooley delivers not only acerbic, enchanting Iona but a compelling, tangled cast of quirky, complicated characters so engaging, it's enough to make you miss crowded commuter trains Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author

You can always rely on Pooley to deliver not just wonderful, lively characters but a story that leaves you feeling uplifted and hopeful CultureFly A magnificent, heart-warming novel celebrating the power of human connection – it’s an absolute joy The chapters are character driven and short. This makes for a fast-paced story that keeps the reader engaged. Also, if you ever commuted, you would find this one to be hilarious. Another totally original, thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying book from Clare Pooley. Full of original characters and wisdom, I absolutely loved it