The novel “America Was Hard to Find” by Kathleen Alcott delves into the lives of three individuals over four decades against the backdrop of significant events like the Cold War, the moon landing, the Vietnam War, and the AIDS crisis. The story begins in 1957 with Fay Fern, a former privileged child turned activist, and Vincent Khan, a test pilot who later becomes the first man to walk on the moon. Their affair results in the birth of Wright, who grows up in an unconventional and lonely environment due to his mother’s radical activism and unstable lifestyle.
Wright’s resentment towards his parents and his unconventional upbringing shape his character, making him distant and cold. His attempts to connect with his father, Vincent, in adulthood are short-lived and disappointing. The novel culminates in the 1980s with Wright living in San Francisco amidst the AIDS epidemic, facing loss and loneliness.
Alcott’s prose elegantly captures the essence of each era, portraying historical events from a personal perspective rather than a glamorous facade. The novel explores themes of repression, protest, and their impact on individuals and society. Alcott’s narrative style brings out vivid imagery and deep insights into American culture, reflecting on materialism, conformity, and the consequences of living in self-made worlds.
Ultimately, “America Was Hard to Find” offers a nuanced reflection on American life, exploring the consequences of ideological thinking and self-absorption. It serves as a lens through which readers can gain a clearer view of society and individual experiences.
