let it linger: the people on platform 5 by clare pooley
i was scrolling through my storygraph, trying to decide what book to read next (i wanted a read that was a bit lighter), when i stumbled upon the people on platform 5. the title rang a bell, as i vaguely remembered having already encountered it before. i saw that the book had pretty good reviews, and since i was in the mood for something a lot more lighthearted (after finishing sylvia plath’s the bell jar and elena ferrante’s the days of abandonment), i gave it a try.
one thing that drew me to this book was how so much of it was set on the train. as someone who enjoys and advocates for quality, accessible, reliable public transportation, this was a huge pull for me. i also love the day-to-day human interactions one encounters on public transport and throughout the course of the day, so the book’s premise was promising, and it did not disappoint. these are the kinds of connections (and eventual friendships, or something more) i always dream of being fostered during one’s regular commute.
it was so easy to fall in love with the book and its characters, though admittedly there were times that certain characters rubbed me the wrong way (e.g. sanjay, especially when he had difficulty dealing with the fact that emmy was seeing someone and was engaged; especially when he didn’t even know her well enough to fall in love with her). i think i share most readers’ sentiments when i name iona iverson as my favorite character from the books; emmy’s second on my list, but the gap is quite far, to be honest. iona’s funny, sharp, and so unapologetically herself, and as someone who often makes others’ business her own business, i very much related to her and supported whatever she did. if there’s one takeaway i have from this book, it’s to, as one of the characters (i forgot) says, “be more like iona.” i want to put myself a bit more out there, not have my nose stuck in a phone all the time (which is something i’ve been improving on), and to be quicker to offer help.
i read one review on storygraph saying that this book was a pretty accessible read in the sense that there’s something in it for everyone, and it’s a sentiment i agree with. dealing with ageism, bullying, a soul-sucking career, the need to put up a facade, controlling and abusive relationships, burnout, mental health struggles, just to name a few. it’s pretty easy to find at least one person whose problems you can relate to.
overall, it was such a heartwarming read that immediately draws you in (finished it in 2-3 days). highly recommend!!