The author is a conservative, but only liberals see that as a cover for racism.
In addition, he is an immigrant from India. While not African in origin, his skin color and looks set him apart from so-called White America, so he would be least likely to side with racism. You say you hadn’t read him before. Did you know anything at all about him?
It troubles me that this conservative, dark-skinned immigrant would be initially suspected of a race angle...unless, you didn’t know any of this when you suspected him.
It should not trouble you. I did not know of the author prior to this morning. Never heard of him. Never read his works. I happen to see this book this morning at local bookstore and picked it up. Glad I did.