Clare Pooley’s Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting is received warmly for its charming characters and witty prose. Critics appreciate its uplifting themes of connection among disparate commuters, but some find the plot predictable. The novel’s feel-good narrative largely outweighs its minor shortcomings, making it an engaging, heartwarming read.

Readers who relish human connection and character-driven stories will enjoy Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley. Fans of The Rosie Project and A Man Called Ove will appreciate the humor and heartwarming interactions, showcasing the magic in everyday encounters and the unexpected bonds formed in shared spaces.

In Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley, middle-aged advice columnist Iona Iverson witnesses a choking incident on her commuter train, leading to the formation of a close-knit "train gang" of diverse commuters who impact each other's lives profoundly. The group members support one another through various personal and professional challenges, highlighting themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery. This novel includes themes of ageism, nonconsensual pornography, and anti-LGBTQ bias and discrimination.

Humorous / Heartwarming / Romantic / Inspirational / Hopeful

- Clare Pooley is known for her debut novel The Authenticity Project, which won the 2021 RNA Debut Novel Award and was also featured as a Good Morning America Book Club pick.
- The story showcases Pooley's signature style of weaving together multiple narratives, reflecting her interest in exploring themes of kindness and community in contemporary life.
- Pooley's background in advertising and her own experiences with commuting in London provided inspiration for the settings and themes found in Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting.

**Iona Iverson**  
A former dancer in her late 50s who has worked for a women's magazine for decades and is known for her vibrant personality and advice-giving skills, which lead her to form new friendships on the London Underground.

**Piers Sanders**  
A 38-year-old man who initially struggles with honesty about his professional failures, but gradually discovers a fulfilling new path by connecting with and supporting fellow train commuters.

**Sanjay**  
A compassionate nurse in his 20s who faces job-related stress and panic attacks while building friendships on the train and developing a supportive community.

**Emmie**  
A creative young woman in her 20s who works in advertising and finds courage with the help of her train friends to reassess her personal relationships.

**Martha**  
A high school student dealing with peer pressure and bullying who finds guidance and confidence through the support of her fellow commuters.

Clare Pooley

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting Summary and Study Guide

Background

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-12

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting Chapters 1-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-26

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting Chapters 13-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-39

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting Chapters 27-39 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 40-51

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting Chapters 40-51 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 52-65

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting Chapters 52-65 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting Essay Topics

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting?

Reading Age

Book Details