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james1star 's review for:
This Winter
by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
First read - Dec 22:
This winter takes place over the Christmas Day in between chapters 5 and 6 of Heartstopper volume 4. It’s from the perspective of the three Spring siblings (Tori and Charlie mostly) and how they are dealing with the events of the past months - Charlie’s eating disorder, mental health, persons spent as in inpatient. Christmas is usually a stressful time for most families but specifically the Springs and things are a bit tense. It’s made up primarily of text but there are graphic elements too with drawings of the characters and texts so I did miss the graphic novel element of the series but obviously it wasn’t made to be one sooo… ignore me.
I did really enjoy this little novella, with lovely, developed and relatable characters and deals with quite important topics. How improving one’s mental health is shown to not be a clear straightforward trajectory is done very well emphasising the importance of getting help, talking with people and how it’s hard to know how to engage with someone going through it. We also see Nick and little Henry (adorable!!! - but I wanted to see Nellie too) and the relationship between Nick and Charlie being strengthened by their honestly and love for one another. I would have liked for more and for it to be longer but I’ll always say this when it comes to Heartstopper. What it set out to do (show the impact of this [that] winter on the Springs) it did well and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it - totes recommend.
Second read - Dec 23:
Nothing to add just that I once again really enjoyed this and appreciated the written format as I’ve been re-reading the Heartstopper series. Great messages and such lovely characters.
This winter takes place over the Christmas Day in between chapters 5 and 6 of Heartstopper volume 4. It’s from the perspective of the three Spring siblings (Tori and Charlie mostly) and how they are dealing with the events of the past months - Charlie’s eating disorder, mental health, persons spent as in inpatient. Christmas is usually a stressful time for most families but specifically the Springs and things are a bit tense. It’s made up primarily of text but there are graphic elements too with drawings of the characters and texts so I did miss the graphic novel element of the series but obviously it wasn’t made to be one sooo… ignore me.
I did really enjoy this little novella, with lovely, developed and relatable characters and deals with quite important topics. How improving one’s mental health is shown to not be a clear straightforward trajectory is done very well emphasising the importance of getting help, talking with people and how it’s hard to know how to engage with someone going through it. We also see Nick and little Henry (adorable!!! - but I wanted to see Nellie too) and the relationship between Nick and Charlie being strengthened by their honestly and love for one another. I would have liked for more and for it to be longer but I’ll always say this when it comes to Heartstopper. What it set out to do (show the impact of this [that] winter on the Springs) it did well and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it - totes recommend.
Second read - Dec 23:
Nothing to add just that I once again really enjoyed this and appreciated the written format as I’ve been re-reading the Heartstopper series. Great messages and such lovely characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Eating disorder, Self harm