Every day, Iona commutes to work on the train in the same carriage. And every day, she sees the same people, imagines their lives, the events that unfold in their lives, and even comes up with nicknames for them. As a seasoned commuter, she knows the unwritten rule: no one ever talks to strangers on the train. But what if she did? What adventures might such conversations lead her into? One morning, a passenger chokes on a grape right before Iona's eyes. Sanjay, a nurse, comes to the rescue and saves his life. And this event sets off a chain reaction. People from all walks of life, who have practically nothing in common except their commutes, begin to communicate and even become friends. And when Iona's life falls apart, her new friends are there for her. 'The People of Platform 5' is a wonderful novel, filled with joy, wisdom, warmth, and love.