Penguin Books | 8 August 2023 | 352 pgs
Source: Library
57-year-old Iona Iverson works as a magazine therapist and although she enjoys her job, she feels she's racing against time as well as the threat of today's social trends as her (younger) editor feels that they need to concentrate more on digital offering and pull in a younger audience. These days, she enjoys her time more on the train commute to and from work since they're reassuringly predictable and what's more, she could people-watch.
Due to her daily commute routine from Hampton Court to Waterloo Station, Iona sees the same people and she even give some of them a nickname, such as Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader, Impossibly-Pretty-Bookworm and Terribly-Lonely-Teenager. Likewise, those commuters who recognise Iona give her a few nicknames too, like Crazy Dog Woman (because she's often seen accompanied by her dog, Lulu) or Magic Handbag Lady and even The Woman on the Train. Then one morning, Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader chokes on a grape and this single event leads to a chain reaction as an eclectic group of people, who sees one another everyday but knows nothing about anyone, begins to connect and gradually become friends as the days go by.
Aside from Iona's narrative, there are four other characters who play a part in Iona's life. They are: Piers, who is Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader. Sanjay, an Indian nurse who saved Piers and a kind-hearted man in general. Emma, who is Sanjay's secret crush and finally, Martha the Terribly-Lonely-Teenager. Iona's commute is no longer the same after she's known these group of people; she's learned more about themselves and give them advice should they need it. And through their friendship, Iona learn more about herself, too.
This is a heartwarming story about humans connection and friendship with a few life topics thrown in for some thoughts and drama. Iona was an interesting character and I enjoyed reading her inner thoughts. This story also shows us that our first perception of others may not always be true and that understanding and communication remain the key to a better relationship in every aspect. Charming and inspiring, I'd recommend this book to anyone and the more you should read it if you commute by public transport.
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This sounds like such a heartwarming read. Iona sounds like a great character. I like that she's older. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this one!
ReplyDeleteWendy - I liked Iona. She was such an interesting character, though I think not all may like her sometimes nosy behaviour, lol.
DeleteSounds so representative of modern life. All with no human contact is our little worlds
ReplyDeleteMystica - Indeed it is. We're so engrossed with our smart phones on the commute nowadays so there's rarely human contact.
DeleteI really want to read this one! Everything about it sounds wonderful. Oh...and I just got my copy of Her Radiant Curse from the library. Here's hoping it's equally good. :D
ReplyDeleteLark - I hope you'll like this book, Lark. I can't wait to read Her Radiant Curse and to discuss this book together! :)
DeleteSounds like a good one, about people connecting after a single incident brings them together.
ReplyDeleteHarvee @ https://bookdilettante.blogspot.com/2024/01/two-thrillers-beloved-bookshop-and.html
Harvee - It was a good read about humans connection. I'm curious to know what the author will write next.
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