The final chapter of the series, Heartstopper: Volume Six by Alice Oseman has arrived. It is the end of our couple, Nick and Charlie. Or actually, it could be. Oseman explores “Will they make it or not?” Charlie is starting to find himself outside of Nick’s circle. And Nick is getting ready for university. Everyone is telling them teen couples never last. And while some of their friends’ relationships are stronger than ever, some are breaking up, and others are being revamped.
The pacing is slow at times, there is little action and things are more thoughtful this time around. Still if you love the series, seeing our boys and their friends grow, come into their own with love and breakups, bullying and friendship, tests and final end of the year events, well you need to read. I needed to get the boys out of my system. I had to finish this up and down journey that honestly, might have gone a bit too long. I have never seen the series, so I’m good there.
What I want to focus on is the “triggers.” If you know the series, you will be fine, but they do have homophobia, bullying, sexual content, use of alcohol, mention of self harm, eating disorder, infidelity, vomit and mental health. This is realistic, but I feel it is also done well. Maybe sometimes a bit forced (they brought in Charlie’s eating disorder and it feels “out of the blue” the way presented). But overall, it is a nice enough book.
Volume 6 was not my favorite of the group, but it was enjoyable. It was a bit longer than the others, but that was fine. However, I think we should have had only two books: One from Nick’s point of view and one from Charlie’s. The illustrations are one reason I got a bit bogged down by some of the volumes. They are terribly simple and it felt like they were unfinished. So, as much as I love this series and liked getting to know the characters, I am happy we’re done. I’m looking forward to going back to titles I have missed and forward with all the new goodies they will be giving us.
