When readers last left the cast of "Heartstopper," the protagonists had broken the tension and finally became a couple publically. While this tension is where most queer young adult texts would end, Alice Oseman's desire to move forward is exciting, allowing the relationship to grow in that cute, awkward way that most romances do. The only difference is that this one features a journey overseas and allows for an expansion of the supporting cast to have their own adventures. Even if this series can at best be considered quaint or wish fulfillment, there is still something endearing about a love story that revels in the naivety of discovery without fully removing the fears of the outside world.
A significant reason that Oseman's writing remains insightful is because it's a story that embraces identity without ignoring the larger risks. For the central queer couple, it's discovering how to navigate a world of bigots and find the community that will stand up for rights. These small moments are overarching themes in the novels which helps to make the achievements feel grander. Given that the cast is full of likable personalities, it creates a comfort zone that never ignores the fear of the outside world. In this case, the love story is offset by themes of eating disorders and self-harm behavior. It's a topic that is more implied than explored at points, but leads to some potential shifts in how the central couple relates to each other.
A significant reason that Oseman's writing remains insightful is because it's a story that embraces identity without ignoring the larger risks. For the central queer couple, it's discovering how to navigate a world of bigots and find the community that will stand up for rights. These small moments are overarching themes in the novels which helps to make the achievements feel grander. Given that the cast is full of likable personalities, it creates a comfort zone that never ignores the fear of the outside world. In this case, the love story is offset by themes of eating disorders and self-harm behavior. It's a topic that is more implied than explored at points, but leads to some potential shifts in how the central couple relates to each other.
Even if they are a compatible group, there is the sense that these issues are holding back some greater happiness. On a trip to France, they discover the limits of anxiety while sharing closed spaces in a cute fashion. Like all romances, there is this slow push into the realm of taking things further, and this feels like Oseman tauntingn the reader with a jab that is more humorous than sinister. Everything comes together and reveals the power of opening up to each other. It may be hard and not pulling teeth, but it produces some satisfying results.
It's unclear where the "Heartstopper" franchise is likely to go from here, but one can imagine that now that things are personal, they're only going to get more-so. Will problems be resolved or will there be a push that holds everybody back? The answer is complicated but given that Oseman is an author who leans more towards optimism, it does seem likely that the next chapter will be one that's at least promising a chance for betterment. So long as the community is there to help, anything is possible.
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