Platform 7

Louise Doughty's novel, Platform Seven, invites readers into a nuanced world crafted with immersive prose and a profoundly intimate perspective that is impossible to fully capture on screen. The book delves deep into the protagonist Lisa's mind, offering layers of memory, emotion, and introspection that transform this ghost story into a memorable meditation on loss and injustice. By reading the novel, you discover the intricacies of Lisa's life and death at your own pace, getting to know the characters and their motives more profoundly than a TV adaptation allows. Platform Seven uses the unique power of written narrative to create a claustrophobic yet lyrical atmosphere, where supernatural elements blend seamlessly with real-life struggles. The novel’s ghostly narrator provides insight into the afterlife and the impact of trauma, creating an experience that lingers beyond the last page. The subtlety of Doughty's writing fosters empathy, drawing readers to reflect more deeply on the psychological scars carried by the living and the dead alike. For those seeking a richer, more reflective journey, reading Platform Seven offers rewarding emotional and thematic resonance. You'll form a personal connection to Lisa’s story, as Doughty’s evocative descriptions and careful pacing unfold a sophisticated murder mystery and psychological drama with haunting poignancy. Why settle for a condensed visual version, when you can immerse yourself in the full depth, nuance, and suspense of the original novel?

One of the biggest differences between the TV series Platform 7 and Louise Doughty's original novel is the level of internal perspective into Lisa's psyche. The book’s first-person narration allows readers intimate access to Lisa's innermost thoughts, feelings, and observations as she lingers between life and death, serving both as an omnipresent witness and a deeply wounded soul. In contrast, the TV series must condense and externalize much of this inner dialogue, relying on visual cues and occasional voiceover to illustrate her state of mind. Additionally, the adaptation introduces or expands certain subplots and supporting characters to suit episodic storytelling and maintain dramatic momentum. For instance, the dynamics and backstories of side characters are often altered or given greater significance, sometimes changing their relationships to Lisa and how their secrets unfold. These choices are designed to heighten tension and intrigue across multiple episodes, resulting in narrative choices that diverge from the book’s more methodical revelations. The novel crafts a much slower and emotionally introspective narrative, using Lisa's fragmented memories to piece together not only the mystery of her death but also the wider web of tragedy connecting various characters at the station. The TV series, however, leans more heavily into suspenseful pacing and visual drama, sometimes at the expense of subtle psychological or supernatural undertones that make the novel distinctive. Finally, some thematic elements undergo tonal shifts in the adaptation. While the book remains grounded in a quiet, haunting contemplation of trauma and loss, the TV show often accentuates thriller and horror tropes for a broader audience appeal. In doing so, the series sometimes dilutes the novel’s nuanced exploration of grief and redemption, opting instead for plot-driven twists and a more sensational approach to the story's supernatural aspects.