America Was Hard to Find

Set in 1960s Ecuador, "America Was Hard to Find" follows American expatriate Fay Fern and her son Wright as they reflect on the impact of Fay's past affair with astronaut Vincent Kahn, who became an icon for the moon landing. Their lives diverge dramatically; while Vincent focuses solely on his NASA mission, Fay evolves into a prominent leader of a radical anti-war group, ultimately becoming one of the FBI's most wanted. As Wright grapples with his mother's legacy and the broader societal upheaval, the novel offers a poignant examination of individual purpose amidst the tumult of the Cold War era, solidifying Kathleen Alcott's voice in contemporary fiction.