Reddit mentions of The Algebraist

This is also a cover of a pretty great book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Algebraist-Iain-M-Banks/dp/1841492299

You might also try Iron Sunrise and Singularity Sky by Charlie Stross (Another awesome scottish sf author). They're a similar sort of whimsical space-opera to bits of the Culture, although shorter^1 and less complicated.

Also, don't forget the other M. Banks, like The Algebraist


[1] But Who's Counting?

Think it might be a reference to this book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1841492299/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1520692657&sr=8-17&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=iain+m.+banks&dpPl=1&dpID=51Sc-mtTrBL&ref=plSrch

"The Algebraist" by Iain M. Banks.

Banks is better known by the Culture series. The most accessible book in the series may be "The Player of Games" and others have mentioned "Consider Phlebas". I did not like "Matter" very much but YMMV.

edit: I usually link to the Amazon's page because it is a quite good place to see reviews and get a general idea about if the book is any good. As others have said it is a good idea to get the book from a library.