Produced as part of the Quick Reads series of books, which were launched originally in 2006, Girl on the Platform fits the bill as a light read designed for those who, for whatever reason, find reading a bit of a struggle. Equally, of course, it is just as suitable for readers who like to finish a complete work in a short space of time. This book can be read in less than two hours.
Synopsis
Pete and Mark are best friends, trying their hand at a little bit of adventure – a night out in London. They are looking forward to a night of girls, clubs and fun when, as they sit on the train ready to leave, Pete spots a girl sitting on one of the benches. For some reason inexplicable to him, he cannot get her out of his mind, all the time they are in London (where they get into various scrapes) and even once he is home again.
Pete sees her again quite a few more times until, one day, she does not turn up at the platform. Pete is determined to discover who she is because he believes that he has found his soul mate, a girl in whom he has seen a little of his own personality. In order to secure the attention, affection and - dare he hope for it - love of this girl, he goes to some lengths to ensure he gets his opportunity to speak to her. And then he is really able to pull out all the stops to try and gain the love of the woman he discovered on the platform.
Stereotypes With a Purpose
The characters and scenarios within the story are easily recognisable, with some being stereotypical and formulaic. The two lead males are “typical” lads, with all the aspirations of a lads’ night out, together with their own problems of gambling and girlfriend trouble.
The female lead characters contrast with both the males and with each other, the girl on the platform being what could only be describe as a wilting wallflower needing to be rescued by a knight in shining armour, while the owner of the B&B in London is typical Italian temptress, who vents her frustrations on Mark. There is even room for the “madwoman in the attic” character, interesting for the comedy she provides in the London nightclub.
While the book contains these many clichéd characters, who have no amazing emotional depth, it is the way in which they are handled which makes the story entertaining and comic. Although the narrative is written from the male viewpoint, Josephine Cox is able to empower the reader with the thoughts and feelings of the more lively female characters, thus creating room for ironic comedy.
Fast-Moving Plot
The plot may seem formulaic to some, but is necessary for the reader to follow the thought processes of Pete, from his night out through to his final attempt at getting the girl of his dreams. We also must remember that the plot needs to remain succinct, given the short length of the Quick Reads series, and that the series was written with the intention to encourage reluctant readers. In this respect, the plot and the easily identifiable characters work well and the entire book flows quickly and easily, written in a chatty style, making it an effortless read.
The only slightly disappointing aspect of the book may be the rather abruptness of the denouement, after the build-up to Pete’s insistence at tracking down the mysterious girl on the platform, and the heartache he suffers due to this chance meeting. But if you are a reader who likes a light, romantic read, tinged with comedy, then this book is a read for you.
