Tom Wolfe is nothing less than a modern literary legend. Since publishing his first novel in 1965, Wolfe has graced the world of literature and journalism with 14 personal works — in addition to multiple articles — that have sat atop The New York Times best sellers list for months at a time throughout his career.

Wolfe’s most recent novel, “Back To Blood,” is a fast-paced story set in Miami where social clashes strengthen the divisions in local communities and national waters. Addressing the issues of a city in which new immigrants build communities alongside native Floridians, Wolfe delves into the lives of multiple first-person narrators, each dealing with the challenge of escaping their self-contained Cuban community and discovering acceptance in the Americano culture of Miami.

The main character, Nestor Camacho, turns from Cuban-American police officer to local hero after climbing 70 feet up a mast to rescue and arrest a terrified Cuban escapee. As a Cuban-American, Nestor straddles the social divide, and this honor further strains his loyalties. Because of this incredible feat, he receives a badge of honor from high society while his hometown, which mostly consists of Cuban refugee residents, views him as a traitor.

Wolfe further illuminates the harsh realities brewing in America’s melting pot. Nestor’s lover is so infatuated with American society that she chooses to leave him for her boss, an American psychiatrist who specializes in treating pornography addiction. Wolfe employs the psychiatrist’s vulgarity to highlight the blindness of an inflated ego.

Nestor’s story becomes intertwined with an investigation by “The Miami Herald,” the paper that hailed his act. Ultimately, Nestor must choose between his ambitions and
his heritage.

“Back To Blood” is filled with pages of the lively dialogue and the seamless pop-culture references for which Wolfe is frequently praised. He has written books about cultural clashes before, The reflections on the misgivings of the world of modern art in “Back in Blood” are reminiscent of Wolfe’s past works like his 1975 book, “The Painted World.”

Even though many of his regular themes return in “Back to Blood,” Wolfe keeps his work up to date with a measured perspective on modern American ambitions and the questionable social conventions the public reveres. A fine comeback novel, “Back To Blood” draws the reader in for a thrilling and meaningful ride.

Tom Wolfe’s “Back to Blood” was released worldwide Oct. 23.

A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Nov. 15 print edition. Tali Kuhel is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].