Appearance
Hearts in Atlantis
I would rate this book five stars - if King had just kept going with the first story (Low Men in Yellow Coats). This story is great, with a strong Lord of the Flies allusion, that actually continues on across the other stories in this collection. The characterizations of the mother, son and recent arrival in the neighborhood are strong. The story also has a subtle "creepiness" that kept me on edge. The other stories in the volume are much less satisfying, as the protagonists are less well developed, and generally less likeable. Hearts in Atlantic (story 2) is the best of the rest, because King succeeds in creating some suspense and an interesting view of the UMaine in the 60's. The other stories are sort of forced.
Hearts in Atlantis
I ran out and bought this book as soon as I heard it was out. I had high hopes for this book as the preliminary reviews said it was worth reading.Instead, what the book entails is four soporific tales that were about as scary as watching the cookie monster on PBS. The monsters / ghosts that were thrown into the four entertwined novellas came as more of an afterthought than an integral part of the story. The monsters did weird things but were never 100% explained.The set of stories start with a young kid growing up in the early 60's. Stories of Vietnam were in the paper, but no one paid any attention to them. As the stories, progress Vietnam and the tension of the times are depicted. Some of the characters from the first story show up in subsequent stories. The novellas wind up in 1999 with some of the main characters facing their final endings.I was left with an empty feeling upon reading many of the stories. They didn't seem to be conclusive and appeared to be an exercise of patience to get through them. King writes well and captures the essence and brand name items of the time ( he does this too well ) but fails to conjure a tale worthy of reading. I was all too glad to go on to a different book.
Hearts in Atlantis
Loved Low Men In Yellow Coats and the last story, not so wild about the ones in between. I felt that the first story had a touch of INSOMNIA as well. Overall, well worth my time!!
Hearts in Atlantis
Wonderful novel where every story is tied together in some way...makes you want to keep reading! "Low Men in Yellow Coats" and "Hearts in Atlantis" held your attention and were a fast read. "Blind Willie" and "Why we're in Vietnam" were a bit tedious but brought everything together in their own way. I personally think, Mr King could have had Bobby Garfield and Carol Gerber's stories carry the whole book..I don't believe there was much interest in the other external characters. These 2 characters, in themselves, were interesting and complex. Still I believe this is one his best stories yet and on a more human level than past works .
Hearts in Atlantis
Unlike "Bag of Bones" which I couldn't put down. I couldn't wait to finish this one...it was terrible after the first story. The only people who will understand the Vietnam references will be those who experienced it first hand. I was very dissappointed!!
Hearts in Atlantis
A great piece of work! I loved the way the stories interweaved and the way you learned more about the characters who may have had a minor role in the previous story but play a more important role in the narrative of the next - Each story connects and each adds brushstrokes to create a fabulous read. I also liked how the themes ranged from the supernatural evil of the "low men" to the mundane corruptness of Officer Wheelock. All ranges that no one does like King. I had tears in my eyes at the end. Keep them coming!!!