Iona, David, Emmie, Sanjay, Martha and Piers all commute on the Waterloo line and this is where their worlds collide. Each is on a journey to learn more about themselves. They certainly do that and much more.

This is a glorious, uplifting, touching and very, very funny novel. Every page, even the poignant ones, made me smile The dialogue is whip smart and each individual has a distinctive voice. I loved them dearly. I really did not want their stories to end. This is one of my best reads of 2022.

If you are looking for a book which makes you laugh out loud, makes you think and even shed a tear you couldn't do better than The People on Platform 5.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the authenticity project so I knew I want to try this one and it did not disappoint and confirms to me that this is an auto-buy author.

This is the story of several London commuters who usually don't talk, they all have preconceived notions of each other but when an incident forces them to talk they start to learn more about each other and realise that you never know what is going on beneath the surface.

I just love how this author writes, you immediately warm to characters within the first few pages and swiftly become absorbed in wanting to know their history. This really was like grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting out side to people watch with the added bonus of being able to feel the emotions of the people you were watching.

Warm, funny and uplifting, this is a perfect summer read. A very mixed bag of characters are thrown Toby chance but gradually become the support each one needs. Always engaging this is fresh and never over-sweet whilst keeping the feel good vibe.

Having loved Clare Pooley's debut book 'The Authenticity Project' I was grateful to NetGalley and the publishers to obtain an advanced copy of her latest offering in exchange for my honest review.
I admit to feeling slightly concerned that I had such high expectations of this one given my experience with Clare's first book but I need not have worried - it was superb.
The book introduces us to a group of six very different regular commuters on the same train route into London every day who don't inter-act. Assumptions are made about all the different characters based on how they present themselves but all is not what it seems! The characters are drawn together by a single incident on the train one day and following on from that they gradually start to inter-act, form friendships and are freed up to reveal their authentic selves and make positive changes in their lives.
A great reminder of how we should never judge a book by its cover and a wonderful illustration of the transformative power of friendship and kindness. A truly uplifting and highly recommended book.

Really enjoyed this relatable, slow story which collected and weaved the stories of ordinary passengers on a train in a way that was really believable and also touching and warm at the same time. Felt very meetcute/Nora Ephron

An enthralling tale of a group of disparate strangers travelling the same train route each day who become friends and whose lives are changed for the better. I loved the storytelling and the characters, who all felt real and complete and everybody should have Iona in their lives. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc

I loved The Authenticity Project and wondered whether Pooley's next book would be as good. It is, and gets an easy five stars from me. Great bunch of characters, all very likeable. I love the way they all get to know each other via their daily commute on the train. I was totally absorbed and very sorry to reach the end. More like this please, Clare. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I know not many people like travelling on public transport. However, I love it. And it's all down to the people watching and listening that I can do whilst travelling around. I love to dip into people's conversations and try and piece together what their lives are like from the little snippets of information I can pick up.

This is why The People Of Platform 5 called out to me. The premise of the same group of people commuting every day and not speaking grabbed me. Plus I loved Clare's previous book The Authenticity Project, so I knew I had to read this book.

Come on board carriage 3 and meet Iona, Sanjay, Piers, Martha and Emmie. Dive into their world and see what you can learn from them. I've learnt to "Be More Iona" 😁

Pooley has a great knack of bringing characters to life, I wanted to be there with them on carriage 3 and embrace their lives more. I feel I am a part of their lives though and thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

There are some serious themes tackled beautifully, it doesn't weigh too heavy on your heart there are plenty of wholesome and funny moments to balance the emotions. It's funny how our first impressions change as the story develops, and it does hit home that we mustn't judge people on first appearances.

If your after a treat of a book then you need The People Of Platform 5 in your lives.

I think I'm the only person who didn't get round to reading The Authenticity Project but having seen the rave reviews for Clare's writing, I jumped at the chance to read this one.

I liked the different character perspectives of the same incidents. I often find multiple POVs confusing, but by only having 6, it's enough to get differing views, but not so many that you need a note book to keep track. It's exciting enough without being confusing.

If I'm honest, I did find the first 15% or so a bit slow, a bit repetitive, but I am so glad I persevered as it soon got really good and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

There are some tough subjects bought up - homosexuality, redundancy, ageism, domestic abuse, controlling behaviour, dementia, stress and anxiety - but they're managed perfectly well. They're not overwhelming, but they're very natural as things that could conceivably happen to a group of six friends.

The writing is absolutely fantastic; each of our protagonists are so vividly written that they leap off the page and grab you by the hand so you can join their group. It's so easy to read, the words just flow so beautifully, that before you know it, you're half way through. And I'm actually quite sad that I've finished it now, as it was so warming and comforting.

I found it sweet without being sickly, it's sad without being depressing, it's positive without being over the top, but I think most of all, it is life-affirming, and really shows the importance of friends and not judging people too quickly or too harshly.

The People on Platform 5 by Clare Pooley is an interesting story with fascinating characters, written by an author adapt at people watching and turning her observations into characters in her stories. I really enjoyed reading this book and it is an excellent second novel by the author.
People do not talk on trains or they didn’t until Iona, a larger than life character who turns the journeys into daily adventures.
Highly recommended

I loved this book ….. I’ll be honest I didn’t think it was for me when I started it but I found myself thinking about these people and I will still wonder what they are doing now it’s finished, it was so interesting and I liked all the characters I have laughed and cried it is so well written, give yourself a treat and read this book

I really loved this story about a group of commuters who travel each day on the same train, never acknowledging one another until, one day, something happens which forces them to make conversation. As their friendships and relationships begin to develop, the truth about each character begins to unfold. This really funny story reminds us that people are often not how they would first appear, and that we should never judge a book by its cover. Well written and a joy to read.
Thanks to Netgalley and to the publishers for the opportunity to enjoy this story.

Who knew that the lives of six people could be upturned and changed by a single grape? Well, Clare Pooley, that’s who. The People on Platform Five is an absolute gift of a novel which explores what can happen if we stop being so British and talk to the people we see every day on our commute.

If I could,I would write prescriptions for this book for anyone who needs a lighthearted escape, a life affirming read or a book that would make them laugh out loud. Or instead, win the lottery so I can buy 1,000 copies of the book, giving a copy to everyone I know and travel on trains, handing them out to commuters - who will probably think I am a weirdo, but it would totally be worth it.

Here’s why I am that enthusiastic. The writing is brilliant and so witty that you sink into the plot right away. The characters are what made the book for me. Each main character is so well written and so likeable that I became really fond of all of them. Of course, Iona needs a special mention. If I had the power to bring her to life as my new best friend and life coach, I would do so without a moments hesitation. There are fantastic character arcs and absolutely perfect moments of karmic justice. I guess if I could sum it up in one sentence, it would be that I found myself smiling each and every time I read it.

On a personal note, I did a buddy read of the book with a fellow bookworm I have never met and wow, did it enhance my experience of reading the book by discussing our favourite moments and characters. It felt really serendipitous, given the messages of connection within the book.

Thank you to Clare Pooley (I will read anything you write from now on) Transworld publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. I feel lucky to have had the experience.

The People on Platform Five was an utter joy to read from start to finish, I loved it! It is centred around a regular group of passengers on the 8.05 commuter train, who would never dream of actually speaking to one another but who all notice quirks and changes about their fellow commuters nonetheless. They even have secret nicknames for one another, and I loved how different passengers had such wide-ranging nicknames for the same person, some much more positive than others. It shows that you can't control what people think about you, everyone has their own viewpoint.

Iona Iverson is a magazine columnist in her 50s. Everyone in her carriage knows who she is thanks to her colourful wardrobe, her regular seat at a table, her commutes with her French bulldog Lulu and the endless bag of emergency train supplies.

One morning, Piers, a fellow passenger that Iona has named 'Smart but Sexist Surbiton' starts choking in front of her on a grape, and Iona and other passengers take action, getting help from a nurse on the train when they can't help by themselves. This lifesaving act is the catalyst for a group of previously solitary commuters to start taking more notice of each other and actually interacting. Iona is at the heart of it all, steering people in the direction she thinks they should go, giving advice and space to think. There are ups and downs for all of the group , and the underlying message of personal bravery and following your heart was beautifully handled. I enjoyed discovering how there was more to the characters than first appeared, Iona mainly of course but also Piers and other commuters should not be taken at face value.

This is definitely a contender for the mood-lifting feel good book of the year.

I enjoyed this big warm hug of a book even more than the successful The Authenticity Project.
The awkward British reserve on public transport, where everyone keeps to themselves, is broken when Piers begins choking on a grape. Rather than sink back into anonymity after the crisis is over, the commuters introduce themselves and begin to share their lives and its problems.
Many readers like myself, who have discovered these type of “community-coming-together” themed novels that Libby Page and Clare Pooley excel at, will not be disappointed by this story. It has all the ingredients to produce a winning formula: a range of characters who we grow to love; adversities to overcome; lessons to learn to grow as people. Clare also has some very humorous dialogue that makes the narrative sparkle.
If you want a detox from negative news or an escape from concerns this is ideal.
Definitely a contender for mood-boosting book of the year.

I knew I would like this book 🥰 I enjoyed Clare Pooleys first book, The Authenticity Project and The People on Platform 5 is just as heartwarming, entertaining and uplifting.

I loved the group of eclectic characters in the story. Iona is an absolute legend along with her French bulldog Lulu. Each person bringing a different backstory and reason to want to connect with others. I enjoyed how they all became friends and seeing their character development. It’s an easy read, touches on some emotional subjects yet is full of light, joy, love and friendship.

Definitely recommend this book if you love feel good stories and fancy something soothing for the soul this summer☀️

Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC.

I really enjoyed The Authenticity Project so when I saw this was coming out, I was very excited.
Pooley has followed a similar pattern here, with a group of individuals being brought together by a single location. Last time it was a cafe and this time it is a train.
We have an older and eccentric lady, a school girl and a whole host of other individuals that bring their unique and engaging roles to the storyline. There is a character here for every reader, as each person is so different.
Each character is well crafted, with sympathy carefully entwined into the writing.
Everyone has been on a train and seen something happen that makes them question if they should get involved or not. This question is at the heart of the novel. What would it take to make people to talk to each other on the train? Once they do get talking, a what lengths will they go to to develop and maintain this relationship? Will it only exist on the train?
This is a heartwarming story that will appeal to a vast range of readers.

London! City of commuters! Where the worst thing you could ever do would be to strike up conversation with someone on the same train. Unthinkable! But it is of course ok to pass rash judgements on every single one of them based on their outward appearance and everyday actions. It’s perfectly fine. This is what Iona Iverson spends her commutes doing until Smartbutsexistsurbiton chokes on a grape and there is a call for action bringing the commuters together and tangling up their lives as secrets come out. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to a stranger and we are not always what we appear to be. This was fun, a bit dark in places but ultimately uplifting and we should all definitely strive to be a bit more Iona.

📚R E V I E W 📚

The People at Platform 5 by Clare Pooley

Sometimes it’s really hard to say goodbye to characters at the end of a book. This is one of those books. The characters are unique and yet identifiable. We all know someone like Iona in our lives. It was the most heart warming and uplifting one I’ve read in ages, showing that friends can actually be family. It’s like a mug of hot chocolate on a cold, wintery day. It completely embraces the ‘Be Kind’ motto.

The author captured life on a train to perfection. How many times would you see the same people and not speak to them? It would normally take a rowdy passenger, a friendly dog or a screaming child to get people actually talking.

The story twists and turns through the lives of the passengers, bringing them together as a family who care strongly about each other.

I’m desperate to go back and read the author’s previous book, The Authenticity Project because I’m convinced it is as good as this.

I loved, loved, loved this book and I will definitely read it again.

Thank you to @netgalley & @randomhouse @transworldbooks for the review copy.

I loved The Authenticity Project and couldn't wait to get my hands on this latest book from Clare Pooley, and what an absolute treat it is!
It is an easy read feel good book with a well drawn cast of fantastic characters who become unlikely friends on their daily commute.
I loved this book and give it an easy five stars!!!.