Book description
"A timeless queer love story and a meditation on power, capitalism, and the flow of history . . . This novel is a revelation and a joy." -Anna North, New York Times bestselling author of OutlawedA classic in the making: a mesmerizing novel about marriage and ambition, sexuality and secrecy, and the true costs of building an empire. At the turn of the 20th century, Vivian Lesperance is determined to flee her origins in Utica, New York, and avoid repeating her parents' dull, limited life. When she meets Oscar Schmidt, a middle manager at a soap company, Vivian finds a partner she can guide to build the life she wants-not least because, more interested in men himself, Oscar will leave Vivian to tend to her own romances with women. But Vivian's plans require capital, so the two pair up with Squire Clancey, scion of an old American fortune. 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 readers of Hernan Diaz's Trust and Colm T ib n's The Magician, with echoes of Gustave Flaubert and E.M. Forster, Mutual Interest is a beguiling story of queer romance, empire, and power.SynopsisAn 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 fans of The Gilded Age and 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.
Boost Princess
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! π Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures β audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ππ
Succubus In Training
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Uncle Buddy
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores β this app is a lifesaver! This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment.
Raggedy Ann
ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Pexxious
Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Genghis Glyph
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment.
Little Drunk Girl
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available β so much to learn! Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is a marvel.
Delirium
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
M8deUp
No need to convert files anymore β ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Saturn Extreme
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable.
Steel Solstice
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app β so handy! I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal β unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Canary Apple Red
I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Seal Snake
This app is a time-saver β I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. ππ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration β this app keeps me engaged on the road! ππ§ The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Blistered Outlaw
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app never crashes. Itβs reliable and stable.
Sloth
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant source of books. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational.
Mr. Peppermint
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go β it's like carrying a library in my pocket. β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§ The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
Achilles Mountain
π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization.
THRESHmSTR
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience.
Cream
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Force
Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience