Hearts in Atlantis

Summary

"Hearts in Atlantis" is a collection of five interconnected novellas, each exploring the impact of the Vietnam War on American lives. The first novella, "Low Men in Yellow Coats," tells the story of a boy named Bobby Garfield, who meets the mysterious Ted Brautigan. Ted possesses supernatural abilities and is hiding from enigmatic pursuers. The second novella, "Hearts in Atlantis," depicts the lives of college students engrossed in a card game that symbolizes the loss of innocence and ideals. The third novella, "Blind Willie," follows a war veteran struggling with post-traumatic stress. The fourth novella, "Why We're in Vietnam," recounts the meeting of two old friends, one a successful businessman and the other a war veteran. The final novella, "Heavenly Shades of Night Are Falling," concludes Bobby Garfield's story as he returns to his hometown and confronts the ghosts of his past. Each novella delves into themes of loss, coming of age, and the search for meaning in a world altered by war.