The lives of two couples become intertwined after the worst airplane disaster in Washington's history reveals a secret that will forever transform their lives
Warren Adler was an American author, playwright and poet. His novel The War of the Roses was turned into a dark comedy starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito. Adler was an essayist, short-story writer, poet and playwright, whose works have been translated into 25 languages.
Warren Adler is always an exciting read and Random Hearts is no exception.
Interesting storyline: two grieving individuals find out their assumedly loving, devoted - and suddenly deceased - spouses were having a passionate love affair. Shattered, they hunt for the truth, seeking the answer hidden behind two identical keys left behind. This thriller is emotional and very human. The characters are realistically created, the story suspenseful and gripping. Now I want to see the movie staring Harrison Ford.
Thanks to NetGalley and The Book Whisperer for an advance copy in exchange for my review. This one is well worth reading.
Vivien Simpson and Edward Davis came together after a tragic air disaster. They discovered during the investigation that their loving spouses were entangled in a love affair and was on a tryst to Florida when the plane went down, the two paramours died on impact. Vivien and Edward were determined to pick up the piece and embark on a hunt for the truth behind their spouses’ infidelity.
Mr. Adler wrote the novel after being moved by the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 disaster. In 1999, the novel was made into a motion picture directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas. The author tells us in a note that the movie although good was far from the story he wrote.
Vivien and Edward explore their marriages as a way to discover why their spouses cheated on them. As they dig deeper into the stories they find themselves attracted to one another and the relationship between them grows.....As I was reading I kept visualizing Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott in the roles of Vivien and Edward
What an interesting premise two people having a discreet affair and not a soul knows about them, nor even suspects. As I was reading, one page lead to another I was so involved in the characters and their emotions I had to see how it would end. They author’s word strikes so deep with the sense of betrayal and leads us to the core of relationship and love....Some may question themselves.....just a basic need to know...
Although I enjoyed this book it wasn’t anything out of the extraordinaire. A bit slow at times and ended abruptly. The story is not deep and the language is ordinary but the emotions are lasting...
‘Random Heart” is quick and moody story I enjoyed passing time with.
I received this book from The Book Whisperer for my thoughts.
Lately I seem to be foundering in books that are idea clones, reach a certain point, and then veer off in a new direction. The plotline in the last two has been lovers betraying their spouses, taking a vacation/trip together, and meeting accidental deaths en route. The betrayed characters then join forces to investigate the deaths and find themselves falling in love in the process. This version had the usual unusual plot twists, which the author then over explained: What they felt, when they started feeling it, why they felt they felt that way, etc., etc. To skip paragraphs could result in missing a plot twist, so I labored on reading, but found myself guessing when the book was written--a decade with no cell phones, characters having to look for a phone booth, airlines not requiring passenger ID for customers boarding Condorde jets for international flights, definitely a more innocent era--then having to go back and reread passages my eyes had read but my mind missed. This author overwrote, indulging in maximum verbosity almost to the point of spoiling his story line. And for that a two star penalty.
In a nutshell, this is the story of Edward Davis and Vivian Simpson; two people unexpectedly thrown into each others' lives by part grief and part betrayal. After four days of looking for their respective, beloved spouses, Edward and Vivian discover they were traveling together on a flight to Miami that crashed killing both of them. While initially devastated by their loss, Edward and Vivian's sorrow changes to fury when they put the pieces together and discover the affair their partners were in. Compared to the film adaptation, the book is more detailed, rawer, and more paced. The actions of the main characters seem justified but sometimes they make horrible decisions, which can happen when you're angry and feel betrayed. This was my first Warren Adler book and I liked his prose and writing style more than the story itself. It almost gets predictable during the second half but is fine for a one time read.
How well do you really know your spouse? That is the question for Edward Davis and Vivien Simpson who happen to meet when they are at the same time and place and learn that their spouses were victims of a plane crash, and they just so happen to be cheating on them with each other also. With no one else to turn to knowing that anyone else would truly understand what they are going through with so many unanswered questions they turn to each other. They want answers, they want someone to blame, along with answering their own insecurities that this brings up. Almost from the start this book in my opinion is a real page turner as you follow along to see if they will find the answers they are looking for and what it does to these two people. This book originally came out in the 1980's and a movie was made based on it. This was recently rereleased, and I am not sure why the average reviews as i thought this was definitely a five-star gut twisting read.
I read this book because I had watched the movie, Random Hearts, this book was too tragic. Their spouses died in a plane crash, discovering facts that suggest they were having an affair, the surviving spouses then go into a spiral of self destruct.(Blaming themselves) The two innocents, the dog and the child were sent away, why not give the dog to the child who was being raised by the grandparents? Why give up the child that earlier in the book the wife was devoted to? Too difficult to finish the book, it was too sad. The movie was better as the characters moved past their anger and into grief in a more postive way.
This was the second book that I have read from this author. I definitely enjoy his writing style and I love the level of character development and background that he puts into them. I found the story to really lack any complexity in the story itself. It really seemed like the apartment hunt took up a disproportionate amount of time, however it did make sense when visited at the end. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley. This author will definitely be missed and I loved the opportunity to enjoy his work.
I was going to say 3.5 stars, so I'll be a bit generous and go with four. I have to admit that I probably enjoyed the movie more than I did the book. A bit of a sleeper which, surprisingly, not many people seem to have read, but it moved me anyway.
"Random Hearts" by Warren Adler takes readers on a journey of heartbreak, betrayal, and self-discovery in the aftermath of a devastating plane crash. Vivien Simpson, a content stay-at-home mom, and Edward Davis, an ambitious aide, find their lives intertwined when they discover that their spouses were entangled in a passionate love affair.
The premise of the novel sets the stage for a compelling exploration of grief, betrayal, and the quest for truth. The characters, grappling with the shocking revelation about their deceased spouses, embark on a journey to uncover the secrets behind the infidelity. The use of two mysterious identical keys as a guiding element adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
While the plot is undeniably intriguing, the execution leaves something to be desired. The pacing can be uneven, and at times the narrative feels weighed down by its own complexity. The emotional impact of the characters' experiences is evident, but there are moments where the storytelling lacks the depth needed to fully engage readers in the complexity of the characters' emotions.
The exploration of self-discovery and the mysterious nature of love is a central theme in the novel. However, some readers may find certain aspects of the characters' journeys predictable or lacking in nuance. The enduring romance between Vivien and Edward unfolds against a backdrop of grief and betrayal, but the depth of their connection might not resonate equally with all readers.
"Random Hearts" is noted as the enduring romance novel that inspired a Hollywood film starring Harrison Ford. While the premise is undoubtedly intriguing and the themes explored are resonant, the execution may not fully live up to the potential of the story. The novel receives a three-star rating for its captivating premise and emotional resonance, but it falls short in delivering a consistently compelling narrative that engages readers throughout.
Wow, what the FUCK - ? I was fully prepared to hate this book. I think the movie is garbage but, you know, wisdom states books are better than movies - so though I had to overcome a lowkey suspicious vague dislike while reading it I .. ? Expected to hate it but am kind of obsessed with it?
I've rarely experienced such intense whiplash. What an interesting commentary on grief, infidelity, and circumstance. Did I like the writing? Most of the time, I strongly disliked the style of it - but I thought Adler was surprisingly astute re: women, vindicating Vivian constantly while never demeaning her for being a "bore" or "just a housewife." I thought parts of this book were bizarre and made no sense but the persistent melancholy of it was obsessive. The fictionalization of the Air Florida 90 crash was eerie, brutal, and interesting; Edward and Vivian's journey through their jungle of anger and heartache was clunky but hypnotizing.
Two things I hated keep this from being a really stellar read for me - the weird interlude where FBI agents want to imply that perhaps Edward & Vivian somehow concocted the plane crash as revenge - what the hell? Entirely outlandish and a ridiculous melodramatic out-of-body (or book) experience - also, the revelation at the end had me so disgusted I almost popped this down to 2 stars. I mean wild, really, that there were pages and pages where this was a 5 star read for me, followed y whole swaths where I wanted to quite literally set it on fire.
I can't believe an American wrote this. I can't explain why, but it feels French.
I remember watching this movie back in the early aughts thinking it was an intriguing premise, but Ford and Scott lacked chemistry and it had an unsatisfying resolution. In this case, I'm glad I gave the novel a try because it's so much better than the movie (as it so often happens). Edward and Vivien are living happily with their spouses when fate intervenes and kills both Orson and Lily in a plane crash. Plot twist: they were having an affair, Lily was pregnant, and neither Edward or Vivien knew anything about it. They navigate the stages of betrayal and grief together, attempting to unravel the whys and hows of their late unfaithful spouses, all while dealing with everything that was left behind. As they work through their anguish, they fall in love with each other and build new lives together. I really appreciated how the author dealt with grief of this magnitude; not just the death of a loved one, but the realization that they were involved with someone else and never knew it. I also liked how Adler humanized Orson and Lily at the beginning of the book, giving them inner thoughts, feelings, dreams and reasonings for doing what they did, instead of keeping them faceless and an easy target for blame. Certain portions felt very rushed, like the last 40 pages or so, when Vivien pulls a 180 on Edward. I think the story could have benefitted from being around 50 pages or so longer. The dialogue felt stilted at times, and I had trouble discerning who was speaking at certain points in the narrative. Overall, I really enjoyed this story that focused on romantic fate, the process of grief, and making the most you can out of the time that is given to you.
The back story: The book was based on William Adler’s being moved by the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 disaster. In 1999, Random Hearts was made into a movie starring Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas that Adler enjoyed but was unhappy that the film took too many liberties with his novel.
This story is about 2 people who probably never would have met except for an airplane crash into the Potomac River killing all eighty-four passengers--including those of a man and woman traveling as a couple. In reality, they are married to other people who believe they’ve got great marriages. The surviving husband and wife of the airplane couple meet when they come to the airport to identify their spouses and are left with a realization of what was really happening. That leaves them with feelings of betrayal and anger, plagued with questions and no answers. The two decide to back track their spouses’ connection together so they can share facts as they know them to be. As they do so, their grief is a draw that binds them in more ways than one.
I enjoyed both the book and film. They could easily have stood alone without knowing the other existed as so many other adaptations have done.
I have mixed feelings on this. The story itself was really goid, but the ending was really rushed. I didn't always like the characters, but that actually made the story more realistic. I was really worried about her son and her dog. I think I saw the movie years ago, but didn't remember anything about it. Actually I thought this was the book about the movie starring Harrison Ford and Anne Hesch. Boy was I wrong! Lol. Overall I liked the writing. Definitely a page turner!
I am not typically a romance novel reader, but this is not a typical romance novel. The book is very well written, with captivating language and a realistic storyline. I actually would have like their story told a little further as certain situations were left unresolved. Other than that, great book.
Warren Adler is a master at writing books about human emotions and the inner feelings of his characters. For the reader seeking action and excitement this book will be a disappointment. I, however, was intrigued by the clever plot and the ebb and flow of the emotions of the two main characters.
Great story which really made me think about the secrets people keep and how these can come to light. The writing style was a bit over the top for my taste but that is perhaps something which others will prefer.
In a perfect world, people like Edward Davis and Vivien Simpson would never have met. He's a happily married man; an ambitious aide to an important Congressman who loves his wife. She's a happily married woman; a housewife with a young son and a dog who absolutely adores her lawyer husband. They are each living the good life - or so they believe.
There is absolutely no earthly reason why they should ever meet...
Until a commercial airliner crashes into the Potomac River with eighty-four souls on board. Two of the victims are linked by a clue that at first stuns and baffles, then draws together their surviving spouses; and sends them on a dizzying exploration of their loved ones private lives. The secrets that they uncover about the people that they loved are totally unexpected.
The explosive discovery leads Edward and Vivien on a journey that ultimately forces them to confront the mysterious and random nature of love - and the transforming power it wields over the men and women caught up in its relentless maelstrom.
I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, this was an emotional and very human story. It showed me how the consequences of a single action can ultimately tear apart a person's life - the feelings of hurt and betrayal, anger and confusion that can potentially ruin someone's happiness and contentment with life.
This was the first book by Warren Adler that I've ever read and I give it an A+! Although Mareena has seen the 1999 movie adaptation of this book - starring Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas - at least once with a friend of hers; she and I have only ever seen portions of the movie together. Maybe the next time it comes on television, we'll watch the entire movie. However, in my personal opinion, the book is better than the movie; so watching the movie isn't all that imperative to me.
I know now why they say the book is always better than the movie. I semi-enjoyed the movie but LOVED the book. It's about 2 couples whoses lives all entertwine when an airplane crash claims the lives of a man and woman (who are both married to other people) The surviving spouses are left with the heartbreaking realization that they really did not know the person they thought they knew best in the world. The two surviving spouses decide to trace back the steps of their cheating spouses (together) back to when and how the affair could have started and how they could have not known what was going on. There are a few suprises that I won't reveal, but it really is quite different than the movie.
Saw the movie and was intrigued; book was better. Starts as a love story between two high-powered DC insiders, but they are killed in a plane crash. The rest of the story is about their spouses who are left wondering what they did wrong. They reflect on their lives and end up falling in love and realize they are doing the same thing as their spouses. In the end they understand and forgive. Excellent character study with good ending.
I'm not sure which came first - the book or the movie. This is the same story as the movie with Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas. Obviously the book is better, with more detail, more romance and more emotion. It was an okay book, but I don't like how bitter the characters are. The bitterness is perfectly justified, but it makes me uncomfortable nontheless.
The concept of this novel is unbelievably intriguing. Please read this novel, it’s brilliant! Just finished re-reading it again, it’s a story that I struggle get out of my head and often think about. I know the author hated the adaptation but I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend both novel and film. Please check out other Warren Adler novels 👌🏼
I am not snobish when it comes to literature. I like both high brow and low brow books. There are good and bad books in both categories. Even if this was a book about loss of one's Life mate, somehow it did not touch me. This could be a good miniseres, but as book not so good in my opinion
I preferred the movie version. The book was slightly different but dragged a bit. I guess that is why they changed the movie to incorporate other scenes. Interestingly though, one can see Harrison Ford in the lead role. It is as if the book was written from him.
The beginning was a little confusing for me. I realized, that I like books that are written in first person and from one person's point of view. The plot was too simple, I knew how the story would play out after reading five pages. Also Edward and Vivien's relationship developed too fast.
I enjoyed the movie so I wanted to read the book as books have more characters and storyline details. There are significant differences between the movie and the book, and I preferred the movie version.