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)

Hearts

This was one of the better audible books I have listened to. Stephen King knows how to tell gripping sotries and in this book you have multiple ones that all coincide. It is a difference of night and day to the movie and to listen to this tale unfold is to listed to different eras of life and the the songs, stlyes and memories of the people who lived them. I would recommend this audible book to anyone. The music, while strange at first, makes a lot of sense and adds to the story line as it progresses.

One of the most memorable.

This has to be one of the most memorable books I have listened to. Hurt is good King is good. I probably liked King better....It's his story.

Captivating

I must say that most of this book is good as in the first story and the last few stories in part 3. Part 2 however, from where which the title was taken is stellar. I really dont even mind King's narration -- while not as spectacular as Frank Muller, King's narration adds an essence of reality to the story being told in my opionion. As with most King novels you are not roped in at the very beginning but throughout Part 2 events/emotions keep tieing together completeting a wonderful symphony of a story by the end. Really moving adding a sense of realism that many novels do not achieve. I can also say wonderful things about part 1 -- but being a fan of The Dark Tower books and as my views may be biased on that note I will not comment. The third part of this book ties up the loose ends from parts one and 2 so while necessary for some, others could do without. I was not drawn in with the same magic as the First 2 stories in this book. These last stories seem cut and pasted together in a manner of speaking.

Overall -- Even if for the second story alone -- I would Recommend this book. In all reality the first 2 stories are excellent. Even the writing within part 3 is good -- just not stellar.

Two Thumbs Up Overall

Amazing

William Hurt's reading of this novel is absolutely beautiful. Not all narrators of audiobooks are capable of bringing so much emotion, and life to the book's characters as Mr. Hurt. In addition, Stephen King narrates as well. King is probably my favorite narrator of his books. This is exemplified in his reading of Bag of Bones. In the beginning King's voice seems somewhat tight, but after an hour he finds his groove and the result swallows the listener until the end. In Hearts in Atlantis, William Hurt's acting talents bring the characters to life. His cadence and understanding of the of the words, and how they should be read result, in a very engaging, and emotional story.

Additionally, anyone who is a fan of The Gunslinger series will feel right at home with this one. As with most of King's books, reading The Gunslinger first will give the reader much of insight into most of King's other books (and King's universe). It is no different with this one. Without spoiling the story, I will just say that this book tells of a character from Rowland's world, and how he went "on vacation".

Any fan of Stephen King needs to read this book. I am often guilty of reading a book's synopsis, and deciding that "I'll pass on this one because it just doesn't sound intriguing enough". In these cases that is a sure sign to indeed read the book. Quite often it is these books that hold your attention most, and give the most in return for your time (Insomnia).

In short, give ALL of King's books a chance. They do not disappoint.

Best Reading of any Book I've heard yet

I read this book when it was first released, and decided to rediscover it mainly due to it's connection to The Dark Tower. (which I am also re-discovering through audio.)
The story was not very memorable when I read it on paper, but William Hurt's reading has completely brought it into a new perspective for me. I am absolutely enjoying the hell out of this audio book! It is coming to life in a way that the printed version never did for me. Perhaps it's partially because I'm several years older, but I think it's mainly due to the emotion, the vitality and the CONVICTION with which the story is being read. It captures the weariness of Ted Brautigan, the desperate selfishness of Liz Garfield, and the wonder of life as seen from Bobby's eyes. Fantastic.
I hope that many more of Stephen King's books can be adapted to audio with Mr. Hurt at the Microphone.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

For those of us who are Baby Boomers, this book brought back fond memories and some not so fond. The 50's were terrific. We didn't worry about bad people or war. Kids on summer vacation would leave home early morning to play and show up at suppertime. Our parents had no worries about our safety. There were plenty of people like Ted Broadagan, nice people. This extremely well written book by Stephen King reminds us of that time, our first kiss, first love AND the uncertanty of the Viet Nam War years. Some of us fondly reminisce about the 60's and 70's. "The good old days." Some of that time WAS good. This book reminds us of how difficult a time it really was. A lot of us forgot (intentionally and not) what it was like. This book reminds us of a time when a war far off in the rice paddies came close to tearing our country apart. It reminded me of the friends who didn't come back from those rice paddies, the ones who came home in green plastic bags, the ones who came back...changed, some for the better, some not. I lost track of how many times I was listening in tears. This review was not intended to discourage anyone from "reading" the book, quite the contrary. I urge you to get this book and listen to all of it. It's an education of sorts. I hope you enjoy listening to it.

Thanks for the memories Stephen King.

Good story but hideous performance

I am not normally picky about the narration and performance, I read the reviews for this and thought...how bad could it be? Yeah, that bad. I don’t get it. What were they THINKING? The music score is not only distracting, its just wrong. And the reader’s voice is annoying, but not as annoying as Stephen King’s reading. GAH. Good story, I like King’s writing, but come ON.

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.