I started reading this book quite recently, and at first thought that it was very dull, and even thought about not bothering with it, but I decided to give it a chance and I am glad I did.
This is a very long novel, and it is very largely based on the class system in New York in the 1980's, it also features racism, dual standards, politics and the arrogance of some of New York's elite.
The book features 4 main characters, and has certain chapters which are based on one of them, but shows how their lives all become interlinked when one of these characters- a wealthy man named Sherman McCoy and his mistress, are part of a hit and run in the Bronx - a majority black population.
This book is all about the struggle of black people (who may have been born and raised in the projects and who may be bright but have had no opportunities) to be treated in the same way as white people (who are handed things on a platter).
It can be a little confusing as there are so many characters that you have to try and keep up with, but once you get into the book it is a very interesting read, and I think it captures the dual standards in New York in the 1980's very well. It has certainly given me a greater understanding of the conditions.