BookBrowse Reviews Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley

BookBrowse:

While commuting, many don't acknowledge other passengers with so much as a nod, but when a man almost dies choking, a group of people who have nothing in common bond with one another.

For the many years that I've been reading, one realization has always come to mind for me after putting down any book: Everyone has an unknown story. Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley perfectly depicts this truth. Pooley's characters — Iona, Piers, Sanjay, Emmie and Martha — are people we can imagine passing on a sidewalk, and within them, we find intricate thoughts and emotions that may at times mirror our own. These characters all take the train to get to their respective destinations, and they form relationships with one another after Piers, a man Iona describes as having too much pride, ends up choking during the commute. This becomes a catalyst for a series of events pulling them together. Some are having mid-life crises, while others are juggling teenage dreams. Their five different stories intertwine with one another to create a full picture, with each person's point of view represented in their respective chapters.

Those who find beauty in character-driven narratives will definitely see that beauty shining here. As the people in Pooley's book are all going through things that most humans living in the 21st century have experienced, it's almost an impossibility to not find yourself sympathizing with them. Our main character, Iona Iverson, is in her 50s, which doesn't stop her from having the youthful energy we all sometimes need in our lives. She provides advice and support for others, all while dealing with her own problems. She's like the glue of the group, someone who keeps the story unfolding, bridging the gaps between the characters. Pooley develops her fantastically, just as she writes and develops every other one of the people we follow, all with their own distinct voices but somehow slotting together like the pieces in a game of Tetris.

In fact, the relationships and bonds formed throughout the book are one of its main highlights. In every pairing, an interesting dynamic arises, challenging our perceptions of the characters. One duo that especially stuck out to me was Piers and Martha, two people who wouldn't normally talk to each other on the street, but who create a healthy support system for one another without crossing boundaries. Unconventional combos are formed, and the author guides readers into seeing the hidden treasures of these arrangements, even more so when all of them are put together, making for a perfect dissection of human interaction. There has been a recent wave of novels featuring characters finding solace in atypical groups of friends, such as The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune and One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston. I'm certain Pooley's book will find a place amongst these and others in which readers encounter a sense of warmth.

This warmth, along with a feel-good quality, is quite prominent in the experience of reading the novel, where we find the good in humanity despite all the bad out there. In times when our world seems to be falling apart, Iona's comedic but genuine advice can weave itself into your mood and brighten it. Not to mention, the book is fairly easy to read and get through, so it's perfect for picking up whenever you need a relaxing moment. The plot is simple, and deals with issues and obstacles no one is too unfamiliar with. Each character is attempting to tackle life in some way: Piers is trying to balance his family and goals. Emmie is trying to be her usual best-achieving self as someone puts her down through anonymous messages. They're all in desperate need of support, which they find in one another as the incident on the train causes them to connect, leading to issues arising and being solved as the book progresses. For instance, Sanjay, a slightly awkward, good-hearted nurse, often deals with anxiety attacks. We learn, along with him, that these reactions don't make him any less worthy of a person, and other characters share similar experiences.

The plot can get cyclical at times, with certain points being repeated and moments igniting a sense of déjà vu. This did bother me in some areas of the story, but not enough to ruin it for me, and all in all I found this book to be an absolutely wonderful experience. So the next time you're seeking an escape from reality, the ride Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting takes you on will do the trick.

This review was originally published in The BookBrowse Review in June 2022, and has been updated for the August 2023 edition. Click here to go to this issue.