Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting

Capitalizing on its central symbol of the train, Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting is about making connections with other people, however random these connections may be. In an ironic contrast to the real-world etiquette that discourages strangers on a commuter train from making conversation (See: Background)—no matter how often they may see one another or share the same path—the novel shows that witnessing and validation are possible when people instead choose to share themselves with others, including their histories, their fears, and their heartbreaks. Authentic relationships grow from this shared contact over time, leading to essential support that people provide one another.

Iona’s success as an advice columnist defies another rule that prevails on the train: the dictum not to interfere, even when something is clearly wrong. This informal rule is illustrated when Iona cries on the train and strangers avoid her. Iona speaks freely on the train under the presumption that no one is listening or cares about the conversation of strangers—an assumption proved untrue on several different occasions, most vividly when a man approaches Iona to agree with her preference for pubic hair.

Her editor’s assumption that no one wants to listen to Iona’s outdated advice is also proven untrue. Iona’s mail, along with the listeners on the train, prove that people are always interested in other people’s problems. However, the train gang finds that the in-person connections are what give them the strength and clarity to make positive changes. Piers can confront the turn his life has taken after he confesses to Iona, quite unexpectedly, that he hated his job. In helping Martha with her math grades, he gets a lead on new employment that suits him much better.

Emmie is able to put her concerns about Toby’s control in perspective when she talks with Sanjay about Toby’s manipulation and jealousy. Sanjay’s warning prompts her to investigate her fiancé, and she is able to escape a controlling relationship before further abuse can begin. Emmie already understood that she didn’t want to leave her job because of the connections it afforded her to other people, but escaping her romantic relationship gives her more opportunities to grow.

Martha demonstrates the value of making connections outside one’s primary social or peer groups. When she is struggling with bullying at school, her bravery in approaching Iona for help steers her toward an activity she truly loves, and being part of the drama cast gives Martha new friendships and even a boyfriend, in addition to her friends on the train. Fizz’s admiration of Iona further proves that fruitful connections do not have to be limited to similar age or interests; rather, having a diversity of friends and multiple connections proves beneficial to all the point-of-view characters as they help each other through their individual struggles. Though it can carry the risk of exposure, vulnerability, or even embarrassment, the characters find it is a relief to confide in others, seek advice and support, and celebrate their successes together.