Photo courtesy of Kyla Chewa via Printeval
Alice Oseman’s Radio Silence dropped in the United States in December. This is Oseman’s sophomore Novel
By Isabel Dunn ʼ27
Staff Writer
Young adult author Alice Oseman has officially published their sophomore novel, “Radio Silence,” in the United States. The book is the last of their works to be released outside of the United Kingdom.
Many know Oseman as the author of the Webtoon turned Netflix series “Heartstopper,” but she has also written four novels and two novellas. Oseman originally published “Radio Silence” in the U.K. in 2016, but it was only recently released in the United States. As the author explained in a Q&A on Goodreads, the international releases “generally take longer to be released than the ‘home’ edition.” After the “Heartstopper” comics began to grow in popularity, Oseman released her previously published novels with newly illustrated covers for her U.S. audience. “Radio Silence” marks the final installment of their works, coming shortly after the release of the novella “This Winter” and “Heartstopper: Volume 5.”
According to Oseman’s website, “Radio Silence” follows Frances, a studious girl with a secret love for a podcast called “Universe City.” Early in the novel, she befriends a boy named Aled, and when he reveals that he is the creator of the podcast, they develop a close friendship. The relationship between the two is at the center of the story, but it never loses its platonic nature. Romance does exist within the story, but the friendship remains central. Aled and Frances are outsiders who bond over their shared otherness, as Frances struggles to get close to her friends at school, and Aled’s shyness keeps him closed off. However, they manage to open up to each other in ways they never have before. They are there for each other through all of life’s ups and downs, and the support they have for one another is heartwarming and pure.
As the podcast’s title suggests, “Universe City” is a thinly veiled metaphor for university, a time and place that Aled is dreading. He hates the idea of being tied down to one thing for the rest of his life, and he feels immense pressure to decide his future all at once. Frances has been preparing to study at Cambridge University for her entire life, so she finds it hard to comprehend Aled’s feelings toward higher education. However, as the story progresses, she begins to understand more and more of his perspective.
Things take a turn when a “Universe City” episode goes viral. Suddenly, hundreds of thousands of people are aware of Aled’s passion project, and he reaches a level of fame that he never expected or wanted. Up until that point, Aled had remained anonymous online, but people now want to know who is behind their favorite work. Aled faces increased scrutiny from all angles, and as pressure builds, Frances does her best to stay by his side.
Anyone who has been involved in some sort of fandom will understand how quickly things get out of hand. Overenthusiastic fans cross boundaries, and unhappy fans seek what they believe to be justice for wrongdoings on Aled’s behalf. The emotional toll that it takes on the fandom’s creator is understandably great.
Oseman does not shy away from heavy topics in her works. Fans of “Heartstopper” will recall the care and grace with which she handled topics of bullying, coming out and mental health struggles. “Radio Silence” is no different. Aled and Frances both face individual struggles, but readers never once fear that they will not be cared for or understood. Despite the gravity of many of these issues, the book still has Oseman’s typical charm. Many scenes felt like being wrapped in a warm hug.
“Despite the gravity of many of these issues, the book still has Oseman’s typical charm. Many scenes felt like being wrapped in a warm hug.”
Those interested in Oseman’s other works should keep their eyes peeled when reading “Radio Silence.” Although no characters are named, several easter eggs are planted throughout the novel about their other stories. Fans of Oseman’s will not be let down.
“Radio Silence” did not disappoint. The book is for anyone who has been a fan, anyone with a close friend and anyone who has hoped someone is listening.