Another really wonderful book from Stephen King. The writing is enjoyable, and the story is masterfully paced. It consists of character stories that we get to know from the very first tale. It is essentially a social book that doesn't lack either the element of the fantastic or the element of excitement. A special case where I really liked it a lot and it also became a first acquaintance with a character from the Dark Tower series!!! Probably it needs to be included in the reading program slowly but surely!!

"Low men in yellow coats" was, to be honest, truly excellent.

However, the remainder of the book and its short stories left much to be desired. It simply didn't appeal to me.

Reading through it was a painful experience, especially following such a great first part.

The disappointment was palpable as I delved further into the text.

Perhaps the writing style or the themes didn't resonate with my personal tastes.

Nonetheless, I can't deny the quality of that initial section.

It had set a high standard that unfortunately, the rest of the book failed to meet.

Despite this, I'm sure there are others who will find enjoyment and value in the entirety of the work.

But for me, it was a bit of a letdown after that promising start.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Mystery Thriller

"Hearts of Atlantis" is a captivating collection of five short stories penned by the renowned Stephen King. Set in the 1960s in the United States, these stories are interconnected, creating a rich tapestry of life during that era. Each story delves into the life of a distinct individual, exploring themes such as coming of age, coping with the loss of a loved one, and the lingering effects of the Vietnam War.

King's writing in this collection is truly masterful. His ability to create vivid and multi-faceted characters is on full display. The main characters in each story are not only colorful but also have complex personalities with many different sides. His writing style is both poetic and detailed, painting a vivid picture of the people and the places they inhabit. Although each tale can stand alone as an independent adventure, when taken together, they form a more comprehensive and engaging account of the events.

The book also has a connection to The Dark Tower series through the introduction of an important mysterious stranger named Ted Brautigan, who will later make an appearance in that series. However, the book does have its drawbacks. At times, the nonlinear structure and numerous flashbacks can make it feel a bit confusing. Additionally, for those who are not fans of stories dealing with the aftereffects of war, this book may not be to their taste. The open ending also leaves many questions unanswered, which some readers may find unsatisfying. Overall, "Hearts of Atlantis" is still a decent book, but potential readers should be aware of these trigger warnings before picking it up.

King has once again immersed himself. This could almost be a separate chapter dedicated to the king. He writes briefly and directly to the heart and the wound, and also in such a way around it that a 350-page novel seems insufficient, leaving you to wonder where Vietnam is here, as the story has come full circle. Vietnam will have to wait neither too much nor too little - exactly half of the book. And then already two parts in "The Hearts of Atlantis" are speaking. Is this conversation necessary? Is it too long? Probably. Therefore, almost the first story and the remaining 4, of unequal lengths and qualities, can be regarded as different things. And the first one is the strongest. I feel that only it is translated into Lithuanian - the Lithuanian edition is only 350 pages, while the English one is almost 700.

King again does not focus on the characters and their relationships, but in the first story, which is detailed and gripping, they are the clearest to me - the relationship between the boy and the adult mentor, already known from other King books, also works magically here. Magically in every sense. And the mother's portrait is vivid and characteristic, and the friendship of the children, almost like in "It", and the impression, which overrides the limits of self-doubt, and the ending is as happy as it is possible to hope for its happiness. And further on, there are already reflections and no longer necessary impressions - everything is integrated into a logical cycle of stories, but I would not be any less convinced that it was necessary to talk for 700 pages - 350 is enough with a margin. And if you want that story, where the film with Hopkins is, then exactly that much will be enough - further on everything fades away and only a hint remains, if it was burning before.

It must be read in English if you can. The Lithuanian translation is so poor that it is almost incomprehensible. For those who can, buying half of the dialogues is a medal. I got through the first 50 pages by birth, and then I had to repeat them in English again - the pleasures are incomparable. Such literary translation abuses of this level rarely occur. And the book, if not for a die-hard fan, can be, but it is not very necessary - if you don't read all of it, you will probably be disappointed, and this is one of those cases where you should finish while still at a high point. This time it didn't work out.

My favorite

Ciekawa pozycja w twórczości Stephena Kinga, łącząca elementy dramatu, nostalgii i subtelnego horroru. Choć nie jest to typowy horror, jakiego wielu czytelników mogłoby się spodziewać, King jednak potrafi zbudować atmosferę napięcia i niepokoju, nawet w tak na pozór prostych opowieściach.

W opowiadaniu "Mali ludzie w żółtych płaszczach" King koncentruje się na dziecięcej niewinności, zderzonej z dorosłym światem pełnym goryczy i strat. Bobby Garfield to postać, z którą łatwo się utożsamić, a jego relacja z Tedem Brautiganem wprowadza do opowiadania ciepło i emocjonalną głębię. Tajemnicze postaci - mali ludzie w żółtych płaszczach - unoszą nad całą narracją mroczną aurę, która podkreśla, że nawet w życiu pełnym radości czy przyjaźni, mogą czaić się niebezpieczeństwa.

Opowiadania o Peterze Rileyu oraz wspomnienia weteranów wojennych przenoszą czytelnika w realia lat 60tych i 70tych w USA, przypominając o trudnych czasach, które zmusiły wiele osób do przemyślenia sensu życia i wpływu, jaki wojna miała na jednostki i społeczeństwo jako całość. King doskonale oddaje wrażenia bohaterów, którzy zmagają się z traumą i przeszłością wojny w Wietnamie.

Opowiadanie "W końcu zapadają niebiańskie mroki nocy" jest zarazem refleksyjne i melancholijne, przypominając, że życie to ciągłe cykle spotkań i rozstań, kształtujące nasze myślenie i emocje. Wspomnienia z tych chwil mogą być źródłem radości, smutku, ale też mądrości. King poprzez swoje literackie spojrzenie, ukazuje nam, jak ważne jest zatrzymywanie się na tych momentach, ich docenianie i zrozumienie ich wpływu na nasze życie.

Tytuł może nie odpowiadać tradycyjnym oczekiwaniom fanów horroru, jednak atrakcyjność tej książki leży w psychologicznych zawirowaniach i emocjonalnym ładunku, które King z mistrzowską biegłością wplata w swoją opowieść. Właśnie te elementy sprawiają, że mimo braku mrożących krew w żyłach scen, historia jest bardziej przerażająca niż klasyczne przedstawienia elementów horroru.

A Side-Read with the Non-Crunchies.

3.5 Stars.

This collection of novellas and short stories weaves together into what I'll call The Vietnam Story. SK's strong anti-Vietnam War stance is evident throughout. Overall, I gave the collection 3.5 stars. Some stories I adored, while the rest were just average. It was both depressing and angry, yet also thought-provoking. SK is a master storyteller, making me feel immersed in the 60s, with all its turmoil, peace rallies, and violence.

"Low Men in Yellow Coats" is the best of the bunch. I craved more of this tale about an old man with special powers befriending a young boy coming of age in the 60s. 4 stars.

"Hearts in Atlantis" was rather decent. I understand why some might find a story about college boys playing cards a bit dull, but I think it sets the tone well for what follows. 3 Stars.

"Blind Willie" completely eluded me. I found it extremely confusing and disliked the character. I know he had severe PTSD, but this story just didn't click for me. 2 Stars.

"Why We're in Vietnam" is the saddest story in the collection. Two war veterans reunite at the funeral of their comrade. I felt the story was rich in detail, making me feel as if I were there - in the jungle, at the funeral, in the traffic jam. 4 Stars.

"Heavenly Shades of Night Are Falling" felt like an afterthought, merely added to tie up loose ends with characters from all the stories. 3 stars.

King's Good Book

I'm not sure whether to take it as a novel or as stories/accounts that are related to each other. I think it's the latter.

It was difficult for me to read it. That is to say, at times the first two stories seemed burdensome to me. However, it doesn't mean they are bad but rather that they have much more development than the others.

From the third story onwards, I read it extremely quickly. They are much more enjoyable and shorter reads.

Overall, the book is good and I recommend it. The story that I liked the most was "Hampones with Yellow Jackets". I loved the entire theme of the Vietnam War and its consequences.

" Hearts in Atlantis" is a novel that somewhat puzzled me. Of course, I liked it, but I can't say that I rank it among my personal top favorite books by King.

This particular book has nothing to do with horror, but it shows how talented King's pen is and how successfully he can write fantasy, horror, or something else. Here, then, he chooses to deal with essentially different stories that follow one another chronologically. Starting from the early 1960s with three young children who are friends as heroes, the author weaves a literary web that historically ends in the late 1990s. From the childhood innocence of the 1960s to the college years of the 1970s, the spiritual search and the problematization of the Vietnam War, and from there to the actual battlefields and finally to the 1990s, where we meet our heroes again wondering about their choices, their lives, the past, and the future.

The book is "dedicated" to the generation of the 1960s and 1970s, and I really believe that those who lived through them firsthand should have discovered a part of themselves within this book. And been very moved. I, on the other hand, did not identify with it at all. It was very foreign to me, although I admit that I was moved. Somehow. Also, I found the second part a bit "silly." I admit that at some points I got bored. However, I loved once again the overall way in which King gives special significance to the tiniest event, makes the small seem big and the ordinary seem important, and gives his own unique color and tone to his writing. This charm of his, I think, is enviable and at the same time rare in the field of writing. Even if you don't like a particular book of his very much, you accept it and bow before his talent.

I don't know if "Hearts in Atlantis" will be a book that will震撼 or mark its reader, but I think it is worth reading for both fans and non-fans of King. Just for the experience. And for the difference.

Hearts in Atlantis is an engaging novel that consists of five interconnected segments.

These segments skillfully bring together many of King's most recognizable tropes, themes, and settings.

It offers a captivating exploration of the political and philosophical state of the country during the late-'60s and early '70s.

During this time, the polarization of different viewpoints gained wide recognition, mainly due to the growth of television news coverage.

People began to feel inundated by events that they could now witness quickly and directly, yet were powerless to influence.

The novel is not only a well-written page-turner but also contains numerous creepy elements, making it an excellent choice for Constant Readers to revisit.

It provides a unique perspective on a significant period in American history while also delivering the thrilling and often spine-tingling storytelling that King is renowned for.

Whether you're a long-time fan of King's work or new to his novels, Hearts in Atlantis is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you thinking long after you've turned the final page.

As a die-hard Stephen King fan, I find myself rather surprised to be penning a review such as this for one of his books. I must admit that I am deeply disappointed in this particular King novel.

The first story in the book, "Low Men in Yellow Coats," was actually quite good. It had a decent amount of plot that managed to draw me into the book right from the start. It was, without a doubt, a very astute decision, whether on Mr. King's part or the publisher's, to place that story at the beginning of the book. It was engaging enough to capture my attention as a reader and make me eager to read further. I would probably rate that story alone at around a 3.

"Hearts in Atlantis," on the other hand, is a hefty 620 pages long. I unfortunately gave up on it a little more than halfway through, at around 360 pages. The second story held absolutely no substance for me. I simply couldn't understand the plot, nor could I fathom the whole point of the story or where it was headed. Maybe it was because I'm not overly keen on the 60's era, which is the time period in which the book is set. But then again, that can't be the only reason because I do enjoy reading books that are based in earlier times. This story was just plain boring. I didn't even bother to read on into the third story of the book because by this point, I was bored out of my mind. Sorry, Mr. King, but this one just didn't do it for me!

A wonderful read indeed! I have a particular affinity for the Dark Tower connections that Stephen King masterfully weaves throughout the narrative. It's truly remarkable how he manages to draw all the five stories together in such a seamless and engaging manner.

Other reviewers have provided more in-depth and detailed descriptions of the themes and connections within the story. The setting of Vietnam in the 1960s, with its backdrop of war and the unique atmosphere of life on campuses during that tumultuous period, adds a rich and complex layer to the overall narrative.

One critic aptly described Hearts in Atlantis as "the Great American Baby Boomer Novel", and I couldn't agree more. King is truly at his best with the characters of Bobby, Carol, and Sully, as well as the elderly and mysterious Ted. The relationship between Peter Riley and Carol, along with the addictive Hearts card game and the burgeoning protests on campus over the Vietnam War, further enriches the story and makes it a captivating and thought-provoking read.

Overall, Hearts in Atlantis is a must-read for any fan of Stephen King's work or anyone interested in exploring the themes of war, love, and coming-of-age in the 1960s.