Clare Pooley’s Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting is a heartwarming, witty, and quietly profound novel about unlikely friendships, second chances, and the beauty of breaking life’s self-imposed “rules.” It’s a modern-day reminder that the smallest acts of connection can transform even the most ordinary routines like a daily train ride into something extraordinary.
The Story
Every morning, Iona Iverson boards the same train to Waterloo with her loyal dog Lulu and her trademark confidence. A glamorous, outspoken advice columnist in her fifties, Iona has perfected her routine from her morning makeup ritual to her well-stocked handbag (which, frankly, could double as an emergency survival kit). She’s also written her own personal commandments for commuting: never eat hot food, never give up your seat unless she tells you to, and absolutely never talk to strangers.
But everything changes the day one of her fellow passengers a man she privately calls Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader chokes on a grape. Sanjay, a kind but anxious nurse, saves him using the Heimlich maneuver, and this one act of heroism becomes the catalyst that shatters the unspoken rule of silence among commuters. Suddenly, Iona and her once-anonymous fellow passengers Sanjay, Piers, Martha, David, and Emmie find themselves talking, helping, and forming a makeshift family.
Through their growing bond, Pooley explores loneliness, aging, anxiety, and rediscovery with warmth and humor. Iona, who is fighting to stay relevant in a changing world and a youth-obsessed industry, becomes the unifying force that encourages each of them to face their fears. Yet when Iona herself faces a personal crisis, it’s this ragtag group of commuters who rally around her, proving that friendship doesn’t care about age, class, or circumstance.
What Makes It Shine
A lovable, layered heroine. Iona Iverson is nothing short of iconic. Pooley gifts her with sharp wit, unapologetic style, and a deep emotional core. She’s the kind of character who strides onto the page in bold colors and leaves behind an unforgettable presence. Readers will find shades of Eleanor Oliphant’s awkward charm blended with the fearless confidence of a woman who refuses invisibility.
An ensemble full of heart. The supporting characters from anxious Sanjay to the lonely teen Martha and career-driven Emmie are beautifully written and relatable. Each gets a turn to share their perspective, creating a satisfying mosaic of modern life.
Themes that hit home. Pooley writes about the universal need to be seen. The story tackles ageism, mental health, cyberbullying, abusive relationships, and dementia but always with compassion and humor. The tone never turns heavy; instead, it celebrates empathy and the quiet courage of kindness.
A perfectly balanced tone. With its mix of sharp observations, humor, and warmth, the book feels like an uplifting cup of tea after a long day. Readers of The Authenticity Project will recognize Pooley’s signature blend of sincerity and optimism.
The Reading Experience
The novel’s short, alternating chapters make it an easy, fast-paced read. The audiobook, narrated by Clare Corbett, adds another layer of charm she captures Iona’s wit and the ensemble’s emotional depth perfectly. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to smile at strangers on your own commute.
Verdict
Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting is a delightful, feel-good novel that reminds us how much humanity can exist in the in-between moments of life. It’s about friendship, self-acceptance, and the small miracles that happen when we finally look up from our phones and truly see the people around us.
If you’re in the mood for something warm, funny, and hopeful a story that will leave you feeling a little lighter and a little braver hop aboard Iona’s train.
