This book review is spoiler free!
Author: Alice Oseman
Series: Solitaire/Heartstopper
Audience: YA
Rating: 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis
I used to think that difficult was better than boring, but I know better now …
I’m not going to think about the past few months, about Charlie and me, and all of the sad. I’m going to block it all out. Just for today.
“Happy Christmas,” I say.
The festive season isn’t always happy for Tori and her brother Charlie. And this year’s going to be harder than most.
Writing Style
The story is written from the first person. It has three perspectives. Charlie, Tori and Oliver. The book also contains a few illustrations.
Characters
Charlie Spring
Charlie is the main character of the Heartstopper series. He is shy and suffers from an eating disorder.
Tori Spring
Tori is Charlie’s older sister. She finds it difficult to see that her brother is having a hard time.
Oliver Spring
Oliver is Charlie and Tori’s little brother.
Conclusion
Charlie came home just before Christmas from the psychiatric hospital that specializes in eating disorders. Charlie’s sister Tori tries her best to support him, but notices that he is struggling. Charlie wants a normal Christmas, but his parents make it harder with their good intentions. Charlie’s younger brother Oliver is puzzled when Charlie and Tori suddenly disappear.
This winter is about what it’s like to celebrate Christmas, while there is someone who is having a hard time this period due to a mental illness. Charlie has a tough time in this book. It’s his first Christmas since he got back from the mental hospital. Christmas is a tough day for him because it revolves around food and it feels there is a lot of pressure on him.
It was interesting to read Tori’s perspective in addition to Charlie. She was always “the sister of” and her chapter really gave her depth and made her more human. I think this winter is beautifully written.
TW: eating disorder, psychiatric hospital
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