Mutual Interest
Mutual Interest by Olivia Wolfgang-Smith, published by Bloomsbury USA on February 4, 2025, is a 336-page novel that explores ambition and sexuality in post-Gilded Age New York. The story follows Vivian Lesperance, a determined woman eager to escape her hometown and create a life worthy of the society pages she writes for. Her partnership with Oscar Schmidt, a queer middle manager, leads them to establish a successful business alongside Squire Clancey, Oscar’s old-money rival, as they navigate the complexities of love and ambition.
Readers will find a narrative that intertwines themes of family life, humor, and satire, as the trio builds Clancey & Schmidt into a prominent manufacturer of personal care products. As Vivian operates behind the facade of her male partners, the story delves into the challenges they face when their secrets threaten to unravel their empire. This edition presents a unique perspective on the rise of a capitalist empire, making it a notable addition to LGBTQ+ literature and historical fiction.
Official synopsis Publisher
An enthralling, dishy novel about ambition, sexuality, and the rise of a capitalist empire in post-Gilded Age New York.
“Hernan Diaz’s Trust but make it gay? Narrated in the sly-eyed style of Plain Bad Heroines? I am absolutely buying what this book is selling, an epic and intimate tale of three secretly queer aspiring business titans who band together-and in the case of two of them, marry-to build an empire.” -Electric Literature, Most Anticipated Queer Books for Spring 2025
At the turn of the 20th century, Vivian Lesperance is determined to flee her hometown of Utica, New York, and live a life worthy of the society pages she writes for. When she meets Oscar Schmidt, a queer middle manager at a soap company, Vivian finds a partner she can guide to build the life she wants–not least because Oscar will leave Vivian to tend to her own romances with women.
But Vivian’s plans require capital, so they approach Oscar’s old-money rival, Squire Clancey. Together they found Clancey & Schmidt, a preeminent manufacturer of soap, perfume, and candles. When Oscar and Squire fall in love, the trio form a new kind of partnership.
Vivian reaches the pinnacle of her power building Clancey & Schmidt into an empire of personal care products while operating behind the image of both men. But exposure threatens, and all three partners are made aware of how much they have to lose.
For people who loved The Gilded Age and fans of Succession “who wished the show was both kinder and gayer” (Jessie Wright, Copper Dog Books), Mutual Interest is a brilliant, beguiling story of desire and power.
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