• Author / Artist: Alice Oseman  
• Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books / Hodder Books  
• Publishing year: 2022
• Pages: 384
• Cover: Alice Oseman
• ISBN: 978-1444952797

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/alice-oseman/heartstopper-volume-4/9781444952797/

Review:

I lov…

The Paris Squad meets up after their trip to go spend some time together at the beach. Nick and Charlie are now out as a couple since the trip, Tao and Elle have become an item and so did the two teachers, since the trip to Paris. It truly is the city of love. Charlie wants to tell Nick he loves him but he’s insecure whether Nick will say it back or will feel obligated to say it back. At the same time Nick sees how hard Charlie struggles with eating and searches online what could be the problem. Soon enough he discovers there are mental health issues and eating disorders but how does he talk to Charlie about these without chasing him away? Nick leaves with his family on a holiday to Menorca. During this time Nick really struggles being away from Charlie while thinking how best to approach his boyfriend about this. Taking the first step is the most important for both of them, but is the timing ever right? With the help from Nick (who eventually asked advice from his mother) Charlie eventually talks to his parents about his eating disorder and they decide to have him treated in a mental health hospital, all for his own good.

This volume of Heartstopper is by far the one that hurts the most. Both Nick and Charlie are happy together but due to Charlie’s eating disorder they need to battle this new challenge. Being young and being met with such severe issues means feeling very insecure and mostly powerless. But with help from outside and from the people they love, they ultimately win every kind of battle. And of course, there’s love and friendship! Again Alice Oseman has created a story that will be very recognizable for a lot of people, teens in particular. She really has immersed herself in a world of teenagers and their struggles, big and small. For Charlie, even a small problem like knowing when to say ‘I love you’ can become a serious issue and turn into a health hazard. As I said, this volume hurts the most but it’s also the one where love prevails the best!

This volume ends with a mini-comic where we see the evolution of the teacher’s relationship.