Reviews with content warning for Self harm - Heartstopper Volume 5

As much as I have loved watching the Netflix adaption of Heartstopper (the first two seasons were absolutely heartstopping in their adorable-ness and I am so happy with them!), I was thrilled that the next volume of this graphic series finally came out, as I was so ready for new story. (Before we jump into this review, feel free to check out my reviews of the previous four as well: Volumes One and Two, Volume Three, Volume Four).

With Charlie and Nick both out – a well-established couple that have said “I love you” and everything – and Charlie being in recovery from his eating disorder and back at school, things between the two take the “typical” next relationship steps. Both boys are feeling like they might be ready to take things a step further, as far as physical intimacy and sex, and Nick is starting to have to think about his future, like if/where he wants to attend university (and thus, the dreaded long-distance choice/discussion).

As always, the sweetness of this story pulls the heartstrings in a way very few other fictions/characters have, for me. Charlie and Nick are just so tender with each other. And I really loved that we are finally getting to see Nick come into his own here. The last few books have really been focused on Charlie and, while his challenges have been very real, Nick seemed to have been losing himself in supporting Charlie. As he faces choices about his own future, both educationally and relationally, I loved that he takes a chance and opens up to people other than Charlie, an realizes that he doesn’t have to sacrifice what he thinks is best for him in order to “be there” for Charlie – both are possible! And Charlie’s reactions, being supportive, if nervous, in return, really show a lot of maturity and growth from them both. Plus, he really takes some chances of his own here, outside his comfort zone, and seeing him get some of his own confidence back is lovely.

Of course, as a sex educator myself, I was so happy with the healthy way sexual relationships were treated here: seriously and with safety and consent as a primary aspect, but also addressing that all the external societal pressure about the “importance” of a first sexual encounter is a bit crap. I also loved the inclusive look at what counts as sex. And, of course, Tori’s side story (maybe a tiny spoiler?) of coming out as asexual is a similarly wonderful inclusive consideration of what a romantic relationship can be. Really, as per usual, the side characters were all wonderful. Elle and Tara on the road trip to visit universities with Nick, and Tao and Aled’s conversations with Charlie about his (physical) feelings, were both great.

Finally, I love love love the graphics. They’re so expressive in their simplicity. There is just so much movement and life in them. My favorites, as always, remain the zoom-in ones, on Nick and Charlie’s eyes, and on their hands or feet. There is something about those ones that feel so real, and intimate, and so many emotions just jump off the page from them.

Oseman is able to capture so many realities of young love in these pages: the wonder, the purity (in the sense of genuineness, not the icky “purity culture” meaning), the yearning. And all the anxieties about expectations, what others are doing, what the future will bring and how to make decisions about it, it’s all just spot on, so relatable in my memories of that time. So good.

Content Warnings

angelelise's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-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

5.0

Nick and Charlie are so in love with each other and it just gets cuter and cuter. This book, like the previous, shows more of Charlie's uncomfortability with his body amidst his battle with anorexia. There is also the unknown element of Nick not knowing what University he's going to go to and what that means for his and Charlie's relationship. The cast of characters is so racially and sexually diverse and it's so refreshing to see. The whole Nick and Charlie universe is such a delight and all of the books should be read.

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