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Hearts in Atlantis  By  cover art

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)

Featured Article: We All Quote Down Here—50+ of the Best Stephen King Quotes


It is King's versatility, his skills as a writer, and his ability to tap into our fears that makes Uncle Stevie so eminently quotable. Even though King writes mainly terrifying books, his works are also full of wisdom, heart, humor, and compassion. He can be scaring your pants off one minute, and really making you think about humankind the next. Here are the best quotes from the master of the macabre: Stephen King.

What listeners say about Hearts in Atlantis

Average customer ratings
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William did hurt

good performance by King and great story but man William Hurt should try not mumbling and maybe a different voice or two yikes

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic!

Listened to this as a stop along the Dark Tower series and was surprised how much this added to the overall series! great story overall!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Little Known Gem Shines!

 This book has solidified in my mind that Stephen King is my favorite author of all time. How much nostalgia, heartache, sweetness, light and darkness can you cram into one collection of stories? A lot - and your time, money, or Audible credits won't be wasted. For fans, a nice unexpected connection to The Dark Tower series - but not required pre-reading. Regarding production: William Hurt does a wonderful job in the bookend stories - I'd like to hear more read by him. Stephen King: You've grown in your narration skills - and I've grown to enjoy them. Lastly, kudos to the music team - really rounded out the feel. "Read" this book.

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Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful

Where does Hearts in Atlantis rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It touched my heart in ways I was surprised to find. Normally the music between chapters is annoying, this music was perfect. William Hurt is unbelievable. I would suggest a person listen to this book just to hear Mr. Hurt.The story is a few novelettes starting with a group of three friends and following then with a loose thread through to middle age.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hearts in Atlantis?

I was touched when Bobby meets Carol as adults.

Have you listened to any of Stephen King and William Hurt ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I did not know that William Hurt reads any other of Stephen King's books, but if I found another I would buy it immediately.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the dorm guys protect and then defend the disabled student was really well written

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Must Read

If you love King's children characters this is your next read. William Hurt is wonderful as a reader/performer😎

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Fantastic!

King is brilliant. I didn’t want this book to end.
Hurt’s performance was magnificent… one of the greatest audible performances.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Awesome across the board.

One of King’s best. A cross between Hemingway, Steinbeck and Vonnegut. Beautiful and poignant, without sentimentality.

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

Annoying music and turtle pace reading

What is up with the music in between chapters? It never fits the mood of the story and it is very distracting. The narrator reads very slowly. They should remake the audio version of this book because this one tries pretty hard to ruin it.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyed the stories, but the music between chapters was distracting.

More good short stories/novellas from King. I most enjoyed Low Men in Yellow Coats b/c if it’s connection to the Dark Tower series. All the stories were loosely connected and enjoyable; the music in between chapters however was not enjoyable. It was distracting and took me out of the story. Aside from the bad music, the narration was good.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

great book

I loved this book. at least part one. when part one was over part two lost me big time. and it was really hard to listen to the rest of it. other than the second part this is a great book. he could have just published part one and it would have been an awesome book!!

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