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Exploring Identity and Ambition in Olivia Wolfgang-Smith’s “Mutual Interest”
Mutual Interest by Olivia Wolfgang-Smith
In the vibrant backdrop of New York City in 1899, 18-year-old Vivian Lesperance begins her journey of self-discovery. Armed with a burgeoning talent for navigating social hierarchies and concealing her romantic connections with other young women, she is poised to make her mark. Yet, as she transitions into her mid-20s, Vivian confronts a hard truth: she cannot rely indefinitely on the affections of her lovers to sustain her lavish lifestyle. The search for a suitable husband becomes paramount if she is to maintain her extravagant tastes.
Oscar Schmidt, a middle-aged manager at a soap factory, enters her life, harboring his own clandestine relationships with other men. Vivian perceives in Oscar a chance to ascend to New York’s elite circles while preserving the privacy of their unconventional lifestyles. However, Oscar is preoccupied with his competitive altercation with Squire Clancey, an eccentric scion of an old-money family and a rival candle maker. Squire’s habit of monopolizing essential resources for soap production hinders Oscar’s ambitions.
To Oscar, Squire is merely an adversary; for Vivian, he represents a critical opportunity. With strategic finesse, she orchestrates their rivalry into a partnership, leading to the establishment of Clancey & Schmidt, a pioneering enterprise in personal and home care products. As Squire and Oscar begin to recognize a deeper bond beyond mere commerce, Vivian takes the reins of management at C&S, achieving a level of influence and autonomy that was unprecedented for women during this era.
Mutual Interest is a masterful piece of queer historical fiction, rich with complex, flawed, yet endearing LGBTQ+ characters who navigate a society that often rejects their existence. The narrative, infused with a witty and playful omniscient voice, invites readers to leisurely traverse the colorful and dynamic world of Gilded Age New York, filled with both humor and vivid imagery.
Once you delve into their lives, Vivian, Oscar, and Squire are destined to leave an indelible mark on your heart.
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