UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY is actually the third fictional account I have read about Lorena "Hick" Hickok and Eleanor Roosevelt. And, I would, without any problems, read at least three more. I find both women fascinating to read about and I like reading new books that take a different look at their relationship.

The story in UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY takes place at the beginning of the 1930s when FDR is campaigning to be president. Hick is trying her hardest to get an interview with his wife and after some failed attempts finally manages to get Eleanor to sit down with her. And, that is the start of a love story that for a short time blossoms until the hard reality sets in.

I found the book fascinating to read from the very start. The story takes some liberties of course since one can only speculate about their relationship. However, letters that they wrote to each other are preserved and they point to a very deep relationship.

One thing that I think Kelly O'Connor McNees really manages to convey was how many sacrifices both Hick and Eleanor had to make. Hick had to choose between her job as a journalist and her relationship with Eleanor. Eleanor also had some hard choices to make after FDR became president. As the First Lady, she had the power to make changes, but at a personal cost.

Another thing that I really loved about the book was the creation of the town of Arthurdale. How Hick and Eleanor dreamed about creating a town where coal miners and their families could live in real houses instead of in tents. A fantastic project that unfortunately led to the end of their relationship as it was.

UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY is one of those books that will stay with me. The writing is beautiful and the characters really came to life. This is a book that I warmly recommend to people that love to read biographical fiction!