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dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Richtig und wichtig.
Content Warnings
Minor: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Self harm
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It’s Christmas! Sadly, this does not mean that all is well. After a horribly uncomfortable Christmas dinner, Charlie fights with his mother and then – despite Tori asking him to stay – leaves to go to Nick’s instead, leaving his siblings alone with their parents and their extended family …
I’ve never read Heartstopper (although I plan to), but I at least read Solitaire before I ever read This Winter, and before rereading it in February, I watched seasons one and two of the Heartstopper series, so I guess I know at least some of the relevant background.
As with Nick and Charlie, I do not have that much to say – I enjoyed reading this novella very much (although I am not usually one for novellas or slice of life), but it is short. I appreciate how realistic the depiction of people dealing with another person’s mental illness is – some people are helpful, some try their best, but ultimately end up being unhelpful, and some either do not know or do not care to actually try getting over their prejudices. Some passages are uncomfortable to read, but that is by design (and I think Alice Oseman handles them with care without necessarily sugarcoating anything). I also like how every (main) character has their own agency that is easily understandable. And once again, the illustrations are really beautiful!
The one thing that I did not completely like is the ending. It felt a little abrupt to me and one of the more interesting moments – in my opinion – basically happens off-page, which I find frustrating.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Alcohol
Minor: Ableism, Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Self harm
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Eating disorder, Self harm
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I fully believe it is impossible for Alice Oseman to write anything less than perfection. This was such a moving and emotional look into mental illness and its challenges, focusing in on the first Christmas after Charlie begins his recovery. Oseman has an undeniable talent for treating sensitive topics, such as ED, with care and honesty. Charlie’s recovery is tough; he has good and bad days, and not everyone is capable of or willing to offer the sort of help he needs. At the same time, there are positive influences in his life whose steadfast love and support prove so important. It was a very authentic and thoughtful portrayal of recovery, and Charlie is a brilliant and inspirational character. Everyone should read this book, and I recommend having tissues and a fluffy blanket to hand ♥️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Mental illness
Minor: Self harm
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Biphobia, Cursing, Eating disorder, Homophobia, Mental illness, Self harm, Medical content, Medical trauma, Alcohol
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Eating disorder
Moderate: Biphobia, Cursing
Minor: Self harm
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness
Moderate: Homophobia, Self harm
Minor: Cursing
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Self harm
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness
Moderate: Self harm
Minor: Bullying, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexual harassment
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really enjoyed reading this little novella and I’m very happy I did it when it’s still pretty close to Christmas time or at least not to long after the holidays ended
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Self harm