I was recommended this by a friend who knows I love the novels of Jonathan Coe - witty, clever novels dealing with the recent past in Britain. The Conclave is set in the 70s and 80s and follows the fortunes of a yound aesthete, Martin , as he makes his way in the new world of yuppies, and the city of London. It should be brilliant as it's such a rich area, but I found it a bit monotonous, lacking in plot and the author falls too often into the trap of telling us everything about a character rather than showing us character through his actions. However, if you are interested in fictionalised contemporary British history then try the novels of Jonathan Coe (especially What a Carve Up, The Rotter's Club and A Closed circle) or the crime noir novels of Jake Arnott.