Interestingly enough, Colson Whitehead is best known for journalism, published in the likes of Spin and the Village Voice. Nonetheless, little in his first novel, "The Intuitionist," is rooted in reality.
Set in an unnamed metropolis during an unnamed era that melds aspects of past, present and future, it is the story of Lila Mae Watson, the city's first female African-American elevator inspector - a plot device that seems, on the surface, a knee-jerk yawner. But Whitehead spins a story of mystery, intrigue, deceit and corruption worthy of Orwell and Ellison, as Lila Mae finds herself caught up in a city-wide scandal (at first seemingly political, though it takes wild turns toward the dark recesses of big business) after a federal building elevator she has just inspected, and approved, freefalls to destruction.
Here's the catch - Lila Mae's way of inspection is by intuition. Rather than physically looking over the cables and rigs and pulleys, she feels what's wrong by taking a ride in the car. The philosophical - and technical - conflict between the Intuitionists and the Empiricists proves fascinating, once you get locked into the story - once Lila Mae loosens up from the rigidity of her position and becomes a sympathetic character.
Looking to clear her name, she goes underground and uncovers knowledge about the scandal, technological advancements, the Empiricists and especially Intuitionist founder James Fulton, putting her life in danger even as she seeks to save it.
Whitehead handles issues of both philosophical thought and technical jargon with a touch that doesn't overpower; likewise, his skills at slowly uncovering racial imbalance are deft, never resorting to preaching to the choir. In the end, you're left with a satisfying read that's over much too quickly.
(Shelly Ridenour)
"The Intuitionist"
Colson Whitehead
Anchor Books, 255 pages, $19.95
copyright 1998 New City Communications, Inc.