In "The Last Integrationist," his first novel, Jake Lamar -- a Harvard-educated African-American journalist now living in Paris -- deftly explores racism in America, particularly as experienced by middle-class, educated blacks. As in his candid and controversial 1991 memoir, "Bourgeois Blues," the characters in "The Last Integrationist" (artists, politicians, academics) transcend many stereotypical images of African-Americans, yet still suffer the handicaps imposed by a racist society. The real strength of the book -- besides its complex, swift-moving plot that does indeed, as the book-jacket promises, resemble "Bonfire of the Vanities" -- are Lamar's characterizations. He employs both empathy and a tough, critical eye in observing his large cast of characters, and he reflects myriad viewpoints that span the racial spectrum.

Set mainly in New York City in the near future, the story focuses on the struggles of two intriguing, independent characters. Melvin Hutchinson, the first black United States Attorney General, believes that harsh punishment is the best way to redeem the black community, and so is a proponent not only of the death penalty but of the gallows. He's also a probable candidate for the recently vacated vice-presidency, but there's more to the otherwise all-white current administration than meets the eye. Intercut with his narrative is the story of his estranged niece, Emma Person, a talented young photographer whose battle to maintain her artistic integrity in the face of a disparaging black community -- as well as her relationships with, in turn, a smarmy white talk-show producer and a brilliant, inflammatory black ethnocentrist -- provide a perfect backdrop for Lamar to explore issues of "passing," of passive racism, and the dangers of ethnocentrism. Says Emma, "Why should I be either proud or ashamed of being black? It's not an accomplishment, or an embarrassment. It's nothing I've ever done."

Lamar's straightforward prose keeps the novel moving briskly towards its tragic finale. His witty commentary ("There was something bracing about living one's life in a permanent snit") sometimes gives way to lampoonish strokes in minor characters. But thanks to its tremendous scope, and its refusal to offer easy answers on complicated issues, "The Last Integrationist" is a rare, intelligent, provocative novel on race in America.

--Megan Harlan