The people on platform 5

No one talks to strangers on the train. But what might happen if they did? Discover the new book by the author of The Little Notebook of Things Unsaid.

Every day, Iona Iverson, an outgoing advice columnist for a popular magazine, travels the ten stops from Hampton Court to Waterloo by train accompanied by her dog, Lulu. Every day she sees the same people, whom she knows only by their nicknames. Of course, they never talk. Everyone knows that rule number one on London public transport is not to talk to strangers.

Until one morning, the man she calls Surbiton Chic-But-Sexist chokes on a grape right in front of her. He escapes death thanks to the help of Sanjay, the Suspiciously Nice Guy of New Malden, who performs the Heimlich maneuver. This single event sets off a chain reaction, and this eclectic group of people with almost nothing in common—except their morning commute—will discover that the assumptions they made about each other aren't even remotely true.

Apparently, talking to strangers can teach you a lot about the world around you — and even more about yourself.

“A magnificent novel: warm, funny, and moving, with unforgettable characters.” — Rosie Walsh, author of The Love of My Life

“Insightful, humorous, filled with heart and relatable characters. A brilliant read.” — Sarah Morgan, author of One Summer in Paris

“A highly entertaining and addictive read. People on Platform 5 will steal your heart. Clare Pooley's writing is witty, funny, intelligent, and charming. I loved it.” — Hazel Prior, author of Veronica and the Penguins

“This book touches on so many interesting themes, always with Clare's signature humor, wonderful writing, and vibrant, lovable characters—the best of feel-good fiction. It almost made me miss my subway stop.” —Sophie Cousens, author of This Time Next Year