Reviews with content warning for Physical abuse - Heartstopper Volume 5

Reviews tagging 'Physical abuse'

Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman

13 reviews

tashcullen's review

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Parts of this edition weren't my favourite but I absolutely adored the casual asexual representation. I also enjoyed Nick and Charlie delving into new parts of their relationships and the characters beginning to develop a stronger sense of self and their own identity away from their partners.

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vixenreader's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

A continuation on the beloved series, this one is wholesome in developing the internal conflicts of the relationship, and addressing teenage sexuality in a mature manner.

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crunchycrystals's review against another edition

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lighthearted

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

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kelly_e's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

5.0

Title: Heartstopper: Volume Five
Author: Alice Oseman
Series: Heartstopper #5
Genre: Graphic Novel
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: December 19, 2023

T H R E E • W O R D S

Heartwarming • Wholesome • Soothing

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Nick and Charlie are in love. They’ve finally said those three little words, and Charlie has almost persuaded his mum to let him sleep over at Nick’s house. He wants to take their relationship to the next level... but can he find the confidence he needs? And with Nick going off to university next year, is everything about to change?

💭 T H O U G H T S

Through most of 2023, I was constantly peeping release date calendars for a confirmed publication date for Heartstopper: Volume Five, and it couldn't have been released at a better time. It was exactly the book I needed during a tough holiday season. I don't think there is a fictional couple I love as much as Nick and Charlie.

Volume 5 brought me back to Nick and Charlie's realm and I read it straight through in one sitting, and upon finishing, flipped back to the beginning and began again. It's just that good!

I really noticed a new level of maturity in both Nick and Charlie. In my opinion, this is a true-to-life progression as they age. They are facing real-life teenage problems, and remain so supportive of one another.

Volume Five opens up an important discussion on sex. What I really loved Alice Oseman doesn't paint a Disneyesque picture of sex. Rather she showcases the insecurities and importance of openly communicating ones needs and wants. It talks about relationships in real terms rather than idealistic terms.

Heartstopper: Volume Five is a welcome addition to this beloved series. The graphics continue to be on point and add a layer of emotion without the need for words. I am so glad this series of book exists because everyone can see bits and pieces of themselves in this world. I am definitely not ready for in to end with volume 6, yet I cannot wait to jump into it and feel like I am among friends. Highly recommend to readers of all ages (especially young readers).

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• diverse representation
• wholesome characters
• hugs in book form

⚠️ CW: mental illness, panic attacks/disorders, eating disorder, dysphoria, self-harm, chronic illness, bullying, body shaming, homophobia, biphobia, acephobia/arophobia, outing, sexual content, cursing, alcohol, child abuse, physical abuse

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eyescanbecruel's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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drewdlestrudel's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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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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