⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)

TW: eating disorder, mental health, homophobia

Spoilers: Heartstopper (Vol. 1-3), potentially Solitaire and This Winter

Nick and Charlie’s feelings for each other are growing, but life is full of challenges to face. Between family, school, and personal struggles, Nick, Charlie, and their friends will go through and learn a lot together.

I have been so excited for this next volume of Heartstopper and it did not disappoint at all. I adore the characters, I love Oseman’s exploration of issues, and I cannot get enough of the wholesome content.

Volume 4 dives into some deeper issues than previous volumes have explored (although they hinted towards them). However, I think Oseman executes the topics so well and with care and consideration. Oseman challenges stereotypes, presents some realities, highlights the need to seek help, and teaches valuable lessons about support and not expecting magic cures or to solve someone’s problems for them. The volume keeps the Heartstopper feel that we love, and Oseman uses clever devices to explore issues without showing too much or changing the Heartstopper tone.

Regarding characters, I love the gang and was pleased to see more of them all in this volume. Nick and Charlie are such great characters and they continue to be complex and wonderful.

I would like to give a special mention to both Tori and Nick’s mum who have some great lines in this volume and are wonderfully supportive characters.

I am so pleased that Alice Oseman continues to portray issues in the way that she does, and I think that her work has valuable lessons for everyone.

There is so much love in Heartstopper and I know I will return to these volumes time and again. Plus, I cannot wait for the TV series!

If you have not read Heartstopper, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Please do check trigger warnings before you read though as many issues are explored.