Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - Heartstopper Volume 5

Also the minor sh scars that Charlie has when he takes his shirt off is just a good representation without being over the top - I feel like it was subtle, but got the important message across for the readers, many of them being potentially able to relate to Charlie here, as many have throughout the series.

Thank you Alice Oseman <3

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emily_mh's review

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emotional lighthearted relaxing 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? No

4.5

Tonally, this volume is much more similar to Volumes 1-3, without undermining the seriousness of the issues raised in Volume 4. More adult themes are brought on board, too, as Nick and Charlie want to explore a new level of intimacy in their relationship. I really appreciated Oseman’s approach here, because realistically most of the target audience will be having the same thoughts and feelings, so to have such healthy behaviour modelled for them regarding this is, of course, a positive thing.

Charlie’s character arc here is centred around (re)discovering his confidence (we also see him continue to manage his eating disorder). He is confronted with three situations where his confidence is challenged: the prospect of being intimate with Nick, being invited to do a gig with Sahar’s band, and developing a healthier relationship with his mum. He comes a long way across this instalment.

Nick’s character development was similarly well-done. Faced with imminent uni applications, Nick realises that he doesn’t know what we wants to do, and is scared of the possibility of having a long-distance relationship with Charlie, a person he is quite dependent on for emotional connection. As such, Nick goes on an introspective journey this volume, figuring out who he is and what his life might look like in the end.

Oseman also dedicated a few panels to briefly show us the inner worlds of Mr Farouk and Charlie’s mum. I really appreciated the rare insight this gave me into their characters.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this instalment. Nick and Charlie have such a wonderful, fluffy, soulmate connection. While this novel ended on a bittersweet note, due to Oseman’s short comics set in Nick and Charlie’s future, I know it’s all going to turn out okay, and that’s enough.

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