Nick and Charlie

A SUNDAY TIMES TOP 5 CHILDREN’S BESTSELLER

Imagine being young and in love, facing the challenge of a significant change in your life. This is the heart of Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman, a short but deeply compelling novella featuring the beloved characters from Oseman's acclaimed debut novel Solitaire and the graphic novel series Heartstopper, now a major Netflix series. Adding to the accolades, Alice Oseman is also the celebrated author of the 2021 YA Book Prize-winning Loveless.

In Nick and Charlie, absence is said to make the heart grow fonder, but can it truly endure the physical distance and emotional strain? This novella delves into the complexities of Nick and Charlie’s relationship as they face an inevitable separation.

Charlie muses, “I have been going out with Nick Nelson for two years. He likes rugby, Formula 1, dogs, the Marvel universe, the sound felt-tips make on paper, rain and drawing on shoes. He also likes me.”

Nick reflects, “Things me and Charlie Spring do together include: Watch films. Sit in the same room on different laptops. Text each other from different rooms. Make out. Make food. Make drinks. Get drunk. Talk. Argue. Laugh. Maybe we're kind of boring. But that’s fine with us.”

Everyone knows that Nick and Charlie are the perfect couple; they are inseparable. But now, with Nick leaving for university and Charlie remaining behind at Sixth Form, they face questions from everyone around them: are they staying together? To them, it’s a ridiculous question – they’re 'Nick and Charlie', after all.

As the time to say goodbye draws nearer, doubts seep in. Both Nick and Charlie start questioning whether their love can endure the trials of being apart. Are they merely delaying the unavoidable end? After all, everyone knows that first loves rarely last forever...

Nick and Charlie captures the bittersweet emotions of saying goodbye to familiar comforts and stepping into an unknown future with someone you love. It's a roller coaster of feelings, reflecting the highs and lows of young love and the challenges that come with it. With her trademark sensitivity and insight, Alice Oseman brings to life a raw and honest portrayal of a relationship in transition.