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The Heart Listens
Tale of one woman's lifetime - ranging from Boston of the roaring 20's through the deco-glamor of 30's Manhattan to the glittering California of the 70's - spanning decades of personal triumph and tragedy, crisis and ecstasy.
574 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 27, 2010
During the 1970s and early 1980s Helen Van Slyke carved a nice successful niche for herself with the contemporary 'woman's novel,' a niche she shared with another novelist who's virtually unknown today, Cynthia Freeman. Also appearing on bookstore shelves around this same time was Danielle Steel, who really began taking off by the end of the decade and who, since she's still alive and writing, has had the enduring career. Van Slyke hit her stride with her third novel. THE HEART LISTENS, a 1973 novel that eventually achieved bestsellerdom in paperback via word-of-mouth and necessitating a sequel, THE MIXED BLESSING. For the remainder of the 1970s Van Slyke produced several bestsellers, and died shortly after signing a lucrative contract for several new novels, one of which was completed after her death by another writer. And by the mid-80s her books began going out-of-print (this was almost exactly the same fate that Freeman and her books met with as well - huge popularity, the author's death, and oblivion).
Someone should reissue some of Van Slyke's novels, particularly THE HEART LISTENS. In my late teens I wasn't above reading what might be considered "women's fiction," (I also read Taylor Caldwell and Susan Howatch at this time, as well as - gasp! - Victoria Holt, authors that today's male in his late teens would obviously avoid like the plague) and the popularity of THE HEART LISTENS piqued my interest. All these years later I recall it as an engrossing novel, and especially recall staying up late one night, bleary-eyed, trying to finish it. But although sleep won out, I remember waking up the next morning and, first thing, reaching for that book to finish it!
The reason I've posted this is because I'm thinking of re-reading THE HEART LISTENS, thinking about it seriously enough that I've taken it down from the shelf.
Someone should reissue some of Van Slyke's novels, particularly THE HEART LISTENS. In my late teens I wasn't above reading what might be considered "women's fiction," (I also read Taylor Caldwell and Susan Howatch at this time, as well as - gasp! - Victoria Holt, authors that today's male in his late teens would obviously avoid like the plague) and the popularity of THE HEART LISTENS piqued my interest. All these years later I recall it as an engrossing novel, and especially recall staying up late one night, bleary-eyed, trying to finish it. But although sleep won out, I remember waking up the next morning and, first thing, reaching for that book to finish it!
The reason I've posted this is because I'm thinking of re-reading THE HEART LISTENS, thinking about it seriously enough that I've taken it down from the shelf.
April 3, 2021
This was a book that I have never ever forgotten.
I loved it.
I loved it.
May 20, 2012
The life of Elizabeth Quigly catches one's sympathy, her character is well portrayed, her failures, her choices, and the silent inner strength which takes her through along with her love for life. The type of book which when I reach the end, I have a feeling of satisfaction at having read the book.
March 5, 2015
Really enjoyed this book, it's one of those books that you don't forget.
THE HEART LISTENS is the rich, sweeping saga of a gallant and glamorous woman, whose joys, sorrows and crises you will soon be sharing. THE HEART LISTENS is the magnificent tale of one woman’s lifetime—ranging from Boston of the roaring 20’s through the deco-glamour of 30’s Manhattan to the glittering California of the 70’s—spanning decades of personal triumph and tragedy, crisis and ecstasy. THE HEART LISTENS is a big, powerful read, as vividly rendered as a motion picture, filled with characters so full of life and events so poignantly real they will move you to laughter and tears.
THE HEART LISTENS is the rich, sweeping saga of a gallant and glamorous woman, whose joys, sorrows and crises you will soon be sharing. THE HEART LISTENS is the magnificent tale of one woman’s lifetime—ranging from Boston of the roaring 20’s through the deco-glamour of 30’s Manhattan to the glittering California of the 70’s—spanning decades of personal triumph and tragedy, crisis and ecstasy. THE HEART LISTENS is a big, powerful read, as vividly rendered as a motion picture, filled with characters so full of life and events so poignantly real they will move you to laughter and tears.
October 11, 2010
pretty epic. a light read but very easy to get sucked into the drama that unfolds. A bit like a soap opera without the cheese. Probably wouldn't re-read though. Felt like a grown-up version of the Valley of the Dolls.
April 3, 2014
THE HEART LISTENS
I first read this book in the 70's, and it was,a joy to read it again. It may be dated, but at the same time peoples spirits don't really change. The characters in this book are wonderful, especially Elizabeth and Charlene.
I first read this book in the 70's, and it was,a joy to read it again. It may be dated, but at the same time peoples spirits don't really change. The characters in this book are wonderful, especially Elizabeth and Charlene.
March 24, 2014
A fascinating series of events in a woman's long life through triumohs as well as intriguing loves in her life.
November 4, 2013
I picked this book up at the thrift store on a whim. I haven't read a whole book in over a year!
I enjoyed being swept up in a long story. Even when I rolled my eyes at the financial ease of some of the transitions of her life, I could still appreciate that there was a slim chance that that could have happened. :)
When I got to the last chapter of the book, I had no idea how it was going to wrap up. I was pleasantly surprised.
Hooray for books!
I enjoyed being swept up in a long story. Even when I rolled my eyes at the financial ease of some of the transitions of her life, I could still appreciate that there was a slim chance that that could have happened. :)
When I got to the last chapter of the book, I had no idea how it was going to wrap up. I was pleasantly surprised.
Hooray for books!
January 27, 2011
Romance.
July 16, 2016
This book is a MASTERPIECE!!!!
July 28, 2024
Finally finished!! Despite it taking me a while to read I actually enjoyed this. It was so character driven and you get to really know all the characters and form such strong opinions on them, it really feels like I’m saying goodbye to them lol. I really enjoyed following Elizabeth’s life and the love and loss and betrayal she faced. THE ENDING I did not see coming BUT thinking back there was such a great buildup to it and I’m actually glad it ended up that way. I kind of love when I can’t predict something but when it happens I think back and it makes total sense! Different time period than my usual but my gma recommended and I’m glad I read it!
October 11, 2017
An old favorite
Twenty some years ago I discovered the novels of Helen Van Slyke. I was very sad when she passed. I can't say I remember reading this book, but it was very comforting to revisit her style and how she carries you through the lives of her well developed characters. I have not found an author as gifted as Helen Van Slyke in my eyes. I'm looking forward to rereading them all.
Twenty some years ago I discovered the novels of Helen Van Slyke. I was very sad when she passed. I can't say I remember reading this book, but it was very comforting to revisit her style and how she carries you through the lives of her well developed characters. I have not found an author as gifted as Helen Van Slyke in my eyes. I'm looking forward to rereading them all.
April 3, 2019
I haven’t read this for probably 40 years. Very pleasant, nostalgic read
May 19, 2020
Read this years ago and will re-read it. One if the best!
August 4, 2021
Great Read
Wonderfully involved story with words of wisdom and interesting characters. I loved it. Helen Van Slyke was an original, you won't be disappointed.
Wonderfully involved story with words of wisdom and interesting characters. I loved it. Helen Van Slyke was an original, you won't be disappointed.
December 2, 2021
La letteratura "antica" ha sempre un certo fascino. Un bel libro che parla di drammi familiari e di come uscirne rafforzati.
November 3, 2023
I have read the book till page 566 unfortunately other last pages are torn apart please could anyone help me or summerise what happened to Tony and Ann and Quigly
December 11, 2024
I think I just dont like this type of writing, for a few times throughout I thought that a man wrote this.
March 18, 2021
This book was so much better than "The Best People"! The writing was better, the plot was better, and the characters were more vividly realized. Makes me excited to continue with my Helen Van Slykes!
September 26, 2020
Loved this book when younger and felt I needed to get back to "pleasant" reading without foul language, blood and gore.
It was wonderful to read again and now reading Mixed Blessings which is the sequel to this book. Another enjoyable read and continues the story of this family
It was wonderful to read again and now reading Mixed Blessings which is the sequel to this book. Another enjoyable read and continues the story of this family
April 17, 2017
One of the best books I have ever read........I really got into all of the characters, and when I finished, I wished it would not have ended..It was that good to me.....I loved all of Helen Van Slyke's books, but this one was my favorite!!!! I have re-read this book several times since initially reading it back in the 80's..It is one that I will keep forever!
April 30, 2017
I
I read this book in highschool 40 years ago. It was truely a joy to read the book once again.
I read this book in highschool 40 years ago. It was truely a joy to read the book once again.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews