A myriad of different aspects make up the plot line of this entire book. Though it is essentially made up of 5 different short stories, they are all intertwined, and relevant to each other so you hardly notice you're reading short's. If you're new fan of Stephen Kings this book may come as a bit of a shock; while his unique style of writing is still obvious, you can see he is trying to put more emotion than suspense into this tale. While the book's bulk is centered around the Vietnam war, and the subtle, and not so subtle impacts of it over a 39 year time frame. It's also filled with many sub-plots, and ideals that have a strong impact to the story, as well. Also, fans of Stephen Kings, Dark Tower series will be pleased to know there’s a bit of a "teaser" for us as to what Roland and his Ka-tet have in store for them as they slowly make headway towards their ultimate goal.

His representation of the two sides that were the most affected by the Vietnam War (in my opinion), which were the college protestors and the soldiers, was brilliant. He doesn't go into the politics of the War, much, and seems to center around the sociological, philosophical, and physiological impacts of the War, at the time that it was happening, and years after. This, I found most enjoyable. Not being of that generation, seeing it through Stephen Kings descriptions was intriguing, and kept me very interested. It’s not often you get to see that time period described as he has. And it all feels very authentic.

You can tell Stephen king is treading unexplored waters with the drama he portrays. While the stories are still masterfully portrayed, you can tell he is still a bit uncomfortable with the style he uses in Hearts in Atlantis, though this hardly detracts from the enjoyment of the book.

Rub my eyes, and go to sleep.

As though I really know nothing about what went on during the Vietnam War, though after reading the book I felt I had a better idea. I also came to the realization for the first time that I will never really understand what went on during that time.

Exert from Hearts in Atlantis



Full of danger, full of suspense, most of all full of heart, Stephen King's new book will take some readers to a place they have never been...and others to a place they have never been able to completely leave.

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Created Jul 28, 2002 at 3:55am • Submit your own review...