Alan Hollinghurst, acclaimed author of 'The Line of Beauty,' dives into the complexities of gay life set against the political backdrop of Thatcher's Britain. The discussion highlights the protagonist's journey through identity and desire amidst societal shifts in 1980s London. Notable moments include a lavish party that exposes the interplay of power and expectation while reflecting on the era's haunting realities, such as the AIDS crisis. Hollinghurst also dissects the bittersweet nature of scandals and the pursuit of beauty in a tumultuous world.