Mutual Interest

by Olivia Wolfgang-Smith
Mutual Interest cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 514
  • Added: 2025-09-13
  • Updated: 2025-09-13
  • ISBN: 9781639733330
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
  • Published: 2025-02-04
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Hardback • £22.00

Set at the turn of the 20th century, Mutual Interest follows Vivian Lesperance, a determined woman escaping her small-town roots to create a life worthy of the society pages she writes for. Partnering with Oscar Schmidt, a queer middle manager, and Squire Clancey, an old-money rival, the trio found Clancey & Schmidt, a leading manufacturer of soap, perfume, and candles. As Oscar and Squire fall in love, the three form a unique partnership that challenges societal norms. Vivian, the true force behind the empire's success, navigates the challenges of being a queer woman in business during a time of secrecy and repression, operating behind the scenes while maintaining a public facade. The novel blends sharp, witty narration with themes of desire, power, and the costs of ambition, offering a brilliant and beguiling story for fans of historical fiction and queer narratives, reminiscent of The Gilded Age and Succession.

Reviews
Books That Slay · 2025-09-13
thoughtful 4.00

The story is seen as a bittersweet exploration of identity, ambition, and societal pressures, highlighting the sacrifices behind success and the fragile nature of unconventional partnerships.

The reviewer conveys admiration for how the novel delves into the complexities of navigating identity and ambition in a restrictive society, focusing on the delicate balance Vivian and Oscar maintain in their calculated marriage and business alliance. They emphasize the emotional costs of survival and the compromises required to maintain appearances, portraying the characters' struggles with authenticity and intimacy as central themes. The narrative is appreciated for its evocative storytelling and for portraying the trio’s partnership as a testament to resilience amid societal constraints, while also acknowledging the tensions and vulnerabilities beneath their public success.

Quick quotes

    Their legacy endures, but their connection remains complicated—a partnership forged from necessity rather than passion.

    It is emblematic of the bittersweet compromises faced by those who must navigate the treacherous waters of identity, power, and belonging.

    The fragile alliance faces mounting tensions as ambition, desire, and societal expectations collide.

Just One More Pa(i)ge · 2025-07-17
captivating 4.00

The writing style is noted as a fascinating blend of classic and unique, with a rhetorical narrative that enhances the historical fiction's rich atmosphere.

The reviewer is captivated by Olivia Wolfgang-Smith's distinctive writing style, which combines classic literary elements with a fresh, rhetorical approach that makes the narrative stand out. They highlight how this style contributes to an engaging and immersive reading experience, allowing readers to appreciate the complexity of the characters and the period setting. The narrative's tone and prose are seen as strengths that elevate the story beyond typical historical fiction, creating a compelling and memorable novel that invites reflection on the themes of ambition, secrecy, and partnership.

Quick quotes

    Wolfgang-Smith's writing style in Mutual Interest was a really interesting mix of classic and unique.

    It's a sort of rhetorical narrative style.

    The historical fiction's rich atmosphere is enhanced by the distinctive prose.

Foreword Reviews · Meg Nola · 2025-02-15
engaging 4.25

The novel is praised for its polished historical setting and subtle wit, exploring complex alliances and ambitions in turn-of-the-century New York with vivid, engaging prose.

Meg Nola appreciates the novel's rich historical context and the intricate dynamics between characters, highlighting the unique marriage arrangement that propels the business success in a post-Gilded Age New York setting. She finds the prose enticing and the detailed depiction of the era—from opulent parties to secret gay clubs—adds depth and authenticity to the story, making it a compelling read that balances social intrigue with personal secrets. The nuanced portrayal of characters like Vivian, Oscar, and Squire, along with the evolving business ventures and hidden relationships, offers a sophisticated narrative about ambition, identity, and societal constraints.

Quick quotes

    The enticing prose is enhanced by its polished historical setting.

    With subtle wit and insightful eloquence, the novel explores turn-of-the-century alliances, ambitions, and the complications of relationships.

    Moving from the late 1890s into the early twentieth century, the narration details opulent parties, clandestine gay clubs, soap factories, and chaotic silent film sets.

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