It's 1946, Faroh Jordan, a young Negro novelist based in Harlem, NY, is not only a new father but is hoping for success in the literary world with his first published book, Lights Out America. Faroh and his wife Marion (librarian), struggle financially to make ends meet. Lights Out America, Faroh is confident, will do that and it does along with a series of best-selling novels.
Eventually, Faroh wants out of America. He long-ago rejected his second-class citizenship; burdened by racial animosity and antagonism.
Trying to convince Marion their future lies in Paris, France, he's rebuffed and a divorce ensues. The full measure of becoming an expatriate from America means that not only has he lost his wife in the transaction, but his nine-year-old daughter Empress Julianne Jordan as well.
Faroh's life changes in Paris when he falls in love with a wealthy Parisian socialite born in Madrid, Spain. Violeta Elisabeth Velvarde is considered one of the most beautiful women in Paris. The two marry.
Faroh 's living a perfect life in Paris when Empress (pre-med) wants to drop out of college and join her black militant boyfriend Rakim Slaughter whose revolutionary idea is to wage an all-out political war against America. Faroh feels he's the only one who can stop her.
Consequently, he must leave France and return home. Will he risk losing his wife Violeta who refuses to live in America, or, possibly, rescue his daughter Empress from her dangerous, radical thinking?