This time Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman is a completely different version of the story of already known and adored characters Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring. Their two-year relationship has not always been the easiest for both of them. They have had their ups and downs and the coming time will give them another dose of change. Charlie is not excited about the prospect of Nick’s admission to the university – he is afraid of being abandoned, forgotten, and alone. Long-distance relationships are a challenge, and the guys do not quite cope with it even before Nick leaves.
The author, as usual, presents such important themes as long-distance relationships, the influence of society, and the difficulties that couples face. Oseman also shows that such a relationship will not survive without honest conversations, and many people forget it. She shows in the example of Nick and Charlie that people need to take care of each other and fight for love, without paying attention to the decision and opinions of others in this regard. It turned out to be a good idea for the author to raise the issue of mental health and self-awareness relative to closeness or separation from another person.
A great advantage of Nick and Charlie is that the author raises important LGBTQ+ issues among the youth. Many teenagers and adults are judged and bullied because of their sexual identity. In her novel, Alice Oseman proves that every person in this world deserves to be happy and has the right to love. She does it extremely gently and warmly.
The book turned out to be incredibly sunny and sweet with the atmosphere of the last summer holidays. Even though there are problems in the plot, and difficult moments that gradually mess up the atmosphere, it still feels like a fairy tale with a happy conclusion.
