America Was Hard to Find

America Was Hard to Find cover
Good Books rating 3.97
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Technical
  • ID: 10052
  • Added: 2026-01-11
  • Updated: 2026-01-20
  • ISBN: 9781474614559
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2019-08-05
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In the Mojave Desert of 1957, Vincent Kahn, an astronaut in training, and Fay Fern, a 19-year-old bar worker, embark on a brief but intense love affair that will have far-reaching consequences. Their lives diverge dramatically, with Vincent becoming the first man to walk on the moon and Fay turning into a violent activist and one of the FBI's most wanted./n/nThe novel explores the intersection of their lives with pivotal historical events, including the race to space, the Vietnam War, and the AIDS epidemic. It's a sweeping narrative that delves into the complexities of love, activism, and the American experience.

Reviews
Harvard Review · 2019-09-10
insightful 4.00

The novel is praised for its deep exploration of individual significance during national upheaval, spanning four decades. It is noted for its rich historical context and character development.

This review highlights the novel's ability to weave personal stories into the broader tapestry of American history. The characters are seen as surrogates for the cultural and political shifts of the time, making the narrative both intimate and expansive. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and the way it captures the essence of different eras. They also note the author's skill in balancing personal drama with historical events, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.


Quick quotes

    Alcott's third novel takes place over the course of four decades and examines the significance of individuals in times of national upheaval.

    The novel is praised for its deep exploration of individual significance during national upheaval, spanning four decades.

    It is noted for its rich historical context and character development.

Waging Nonviolence · 2019-07-04
powerful 4.50

The novel is praised for its microscopic examination of America, revealing both its beauty and violence. It is noted for its powerful storytelling and deep exploration of national identity.

This review highlights the novel's ability to capture the complexities of American identity, exploring both its beauty and its darker aspects. The reviewer appreciates the author's skill in weaving together personal stories with broader historical and cultural themes. They also note the novel's relevance to contemporary issues, making it a timely and thought-provoking read. The reviewer finds the novel to be a powerful and insightful exploration of America's past and present.


Quick quotes

    Kathleen Alcott's novel 'America Was Hard to Find' puts America under a microscope to reveal its staggering beauty and rapacious violence.

    The novel is praised for its microscopic examination of America, revealing both its beauty and violence.

    It is noted for its powerful storytelling and deep exploration of national identity.

Goodreads · 2019-05-14
engaging 3.40

The novel is described as an immense and vivid reimagining of the Cold War era, tracing the cultural revolution that divided the country. It is highly recommended for its vivid storytelling and historical depth.

This review emphasizes the novel's vivid and immersive portrayal of the Cold War era, capturing the cultural and political divisions of the time. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to bring historical events to life through compelling characters and narratives. They also highlight the novel's relevance to contemporary issues, making it a timely and thought-provoking read. The reviewer finds the novel to be a rich and engaging exploration of a pivotal period in American history.


Quick quotes

    An immense, vivid reimagining of the Cold War era, America Was Hard to Find traces the fallout of the cultural revolution that divided the country.

    The novel is described as an immense and vivid reimagining of the Cold War era, tracing the cultural revolution that divided the country.

    It is highly recommended for its vivid storytelling and historical depth.