A while back, I joined a Heartstopper fan group on Facebook. It’s a rather beautiful group of support, kindness, and real love. It’s not over the top (mostly) and there are some really great discussions.
One topic I’ve struggled with is the overwhelming negativity towards Charlie’s mother, Jane. I rather like her. Now, on this reread, I’m remembering how different she is in the show. This apology isn’t there. She’s a mom who struggles, but tries. Us parents are usually doing the best we can and I like seeing this in the novels.
Then there’s Nick’s friends’ apology. It was really sweet. Then the scenes with the Rugby coach. So perfect!
Again, the way Oseman creates feelings with her blocking and style. So much happens on this Paris trip, but that’s high school, right? Every relationship evolving in a short span of time. That dropping pit that you just really screwed up with your best friend.
The way you can feel Charlie passing out. The slipping away of his surroundings and that hazy vision. You can feel him about to fall.
Then we have this fantastic moment where Charlie tells off Harry. It’s a bit switched up in the show and this speech gets revamped for the narcissistic ex. I love how Oseman shows healthy apologies; that real relationships (of any kind) take work. Then also shows how to stand up to false ones. That forgiveness doesn’t always include allowing someone back into your life.
Then we finish, set up for getting into some deeper issues in the next volume.
The Accidental Domestic Goddess 