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Hearts in Atlantis

By: Stephen King
Narrated by: Stephen King, William Hurt
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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)

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What listeners say about Hearts in Atlantis

Average customer ratings
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Great

Didn’t know what to expect from this one but it turned out to be one of my all time King favorites. Sense of melancholy throughout, but characters are so deep and resilient.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Music?

The narration of this story was great but in my opinion, the music was completely unnecessary.

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MESMERIZING!

Have loved this story for years! Some history from our world. Some from Roland’s. Ka , it seems, is Ka no matter the world.

William Hurt was absolutely perfect! Grateful this exists as part of his performance legacy.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brings back memories

Growing up in the 60s. . excellent story. Way to go Stephen King THANKS

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable moments

With Hearts in Atlantis being a collection of stories there were moments I enjoyed more than others. I really enjoyed the first story! It took a while to realize/understand the connection to the following story. There were characters I wanted to stay with longer!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing story!

I couldn’t stop listening! Such an amazing story! You will not be disappointed. Wonderful narration

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Relationships Through the Years

Mix of fantasy and reality - great characters. William Hurt’s performance and the music enhanced the text.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

glad this is over

Not much to say. I was bored and I had to force myself to finish it. just didnt do anything for me.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Odd But Creative

While this is not a vital cousin to the Dark Tower Series, this story folds in well with the rest of the Stephen King Universe. Stylistically, this is different than a lot of King’s works, but it holds real charm in the way the fictional events are blended into historical events. This is a must read for any Stephen King fan.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful, transcendent story and narration

A rich, emotional story with a touch of supernatural. Described as a collection of five short stories, but reads like a more cohesive novel No frights but some horror; all about life and love. The best and most beautiful writing about a first kiss I've ever come across - listened to that segment over and over again. Especially resonant with baby boomers touched by the 1960's - but don't be hesitant if you're younger than that...the movie The Best Years of Our Lives is still great even if you're too young for WWII. Note on narrator William Hurt, he comes to you from a whole different and far superior level of art form. I have never heard narration so complex and nuanced.
Spend the credit, you'll be charmed and remember this novel always.

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14 people found this helpful