Hearts in Atlantis

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Stephen King, William Hurt

Length: 20 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Each of these five interconnected, sequential narratives, set in the years from 1960 to 1999, are deeply rooted in the 60s culture and the haunting images of the Vietnam War. "Low Men in Yellow Coats" is the story of 11-year-old Bobby Garfield who discovers a world of predatory malice in his own neighborhood. Bobby also discovers that adults are sometimes not rescuers but at the heart of the terror. In the title story, a bunch of college kids get hooked on a card game when they discover the possibility of protest. In "Blind Willy" and "Why We're in Vietnam," two men who grew up with Bobby in suburban Connecticut try to fill the emptiness of the post-Vietnam era in an America which sometimes seems as hollow - and haunted - as their own lives. And in "Heavenly Shades of Night Are Falling," this remarkable work's denouement, Bobby returns to his hometown where one final secret, the hope of redemption, and his heart's desire may await him.

©1999 Stephen King, All Rights Reserved, (P)1999 Simon & Schuster Inc., All Rights Reserved

Critic reviews

"We now know what Stephen King, the master of horror, is afraid of. The Vietnam War...scares him so bad he won't let his hero act imprudently." (The New York Times)
"...Hurt skillfully evokes pathos from the story's fine detailing...." (Publishers Weekly)

Muh

The first part of the book is good. The rest was just ok. I wouldn't have finished it except I kept hoping for a return to the magic of the first part.
William Hurt was a very bad choice as narrator in the first and last parts. He would pause at the wrong parts, in the middle of sentences of and not pause at all at the end if others. Very poor performance.

Great Dark Tower Subplot

"Low Men in Yellow Coats" is a great insight into Ted Brautigan, a major character in the last of the Dark Tower series.

Admittedly, it took me a while to get used to William Hurt's narration style, slow with some strange pauses, but he really brought the characters alive for me in ways that Frank Muller and George Guidall never did.

But mostly it is King's magic story telling that really hit me in this book. He perfectly captures coming of age events, like a first kiss and dealing with bullies. I loved this book.

The Story of My Life

It's 2018, I'm 70 years old and have just listened to this book/story again, I've seen the movie and read the actual text. No other book, movie, story, documentary, or tale has affected me as much as this one. For me it is both terribly frightening and endearing. If I could find a way to thank Mr. King himself I would. Instead I write this lame review to let others know that this is my favorite book and an incredibly emotionally accurate reaction to the time frame and period of history I participated in. First in high school, then in college, as a soldier, a veteran who survived the green, and now as an old man. Perhaps as Mr. King indicated, I'm still there in country (for lack of a better word or phrase). My warning for fellow readers/listeners is, weather you've been in combat or not, this narrative will change you if you are sensitive enough to understand.

Disconnected

The Narration was great, especially Mr.Hurt. I had a hard time following after Ted was taken . Jumping to Pete and College confused me .
A graphic yet important description of the Viet Nam war was compelling. Glad that Carol and Bobby came together in the end.

It's all about the first story of the 3

Fist the good. The first story is great. Puts you into the 50s America where the Crimson King is up to no good. Good characters and read very well by William Hurt. It's comparable to insomnia as the storyline goes.

Now the bad. Everything after the first story is filler. All about college and war and nothing Stephen King. Maybe it's because I wasn't 18 during the Vietnam War but I don't understand his motivation to write this and put it out for his readers. It's read by Steven King... so if you like his voice you're good. If you don't than stop after the first story.

A story you can get lost in

If you lived through the late 1960s, this book is definitely for you. Every page is so true to the times and the emotions of the times.
I skipped the future chapters on Vietnam with blind Willie and and SJ. Too painful and unnecessary for me. A book to remember that’s for sure!

Stephen King's Storytelling.

Setphen King is a great storyteller. This is a good example of "crossover" into the general public interest. In other words, (not in the horror story "Genre"). this one, like "Joyland", has other human interest. It points to his diverse ability, which many do not understand that he has.

Extraordinary Narration from Hurt

Extraordinary narration from William Hurt. “Low men” story is really thrilling, and ties nicely (if a little blatantly) into the larger tapestry. The other stories feel like afterthoughts, and this is underscored by the fact that Hurt doesn’t even read them. King does a very good job as pinch narrator though. The audio production also deserves special recognition here, as the musical interludes and sound bites add more than one would expect, accentuating the dreamy and otherworldly quality of the book. [AUDIBLE]

Excellent Writing and Storytelling

Stephen King does not disappoint. I was drawn in from the first sentence. How does he so masterfully create characters that we care about? King is the master of creating a sensory experience in his novels. I like how all four stories were interconnected. Both Hurt and King are superb readers, as well. I want to experience this book again, in print form, and highlight favorite passages and outstanding descriptions!

narration

narration awesome, but I didn't care for the musical transitions . I liked the story line.