Exploring the Heights and Shadows of Ambition: A Review of Mutual Interest by J.D. Johnson
From the moment I stumbled upon Mutual Interest, the premise sparked a delightful curiosity within me. Perhaps it was the charm of historical fiction mixed with elements of scandal and intrigue, or maybe it was the allure of a story deeply rooted in the complexities of identity and ambition. Whatever it was, Johnson’s novel did not disappoint, earning a solid 4.5 stars in my book!
Set against the backdrop of early 1900s New York, Mutual Interest takes us into the world of Vivian, a middle-class girl with grand dreams of wealth and prestige. As an only child from Utica, NY—just 45 minutes away from where I’m sitting now—I could almost feel the journey she embarks upon to escape her modest roots. When her affluent friend heads to NYC for her debut into high society, Vivian skillfully manages to tag along. This marks the beginning of her transformation as she grips the fabric of the Manhattan elite, revealing her ambitions and schemes that screen the line between greed and desire.
One of the standout themes here is the intersection of sexuality and societal norm, deftly portrayed through Vivian’s journey. As a lesbian navigating a world rife with repression, her relationship struggles are palpable. Her involvement with Oscar, a closeted middle manager, uncovers the struggles of so many during a time when being true to oneself was a treacherous endeavor. I found myself rooting for Vivian, not just in her personal battles but also as she built a consumer goods empire—so multifaceted, with soaps and candles allied to a life intertwined with deception. The juxtaposition of being a power player in the business world while grappling with her identity felt refreshingly poignant.
The writing style Johnson employs engages thoroughly. The third-person narrative brought an intimacy that allowed me to get a proper peek into the minds of Vivian, Oscar, and even Squire, the old-money rival turned lover. Johnson’s cheeky tone and clever dialogue added significantly to the novel’s charm, reminding me of the sharp wit reminiscent of HBO’s Succession—except this story is as queer as it gets, and I was here for every juicy twist.
One of my favorite moments was when Vivian schemes her way through the society events, her intellect shining brighter than the pearls around her neck. Johnson captures how female empowerment often comes laced with desperation, and it’s a gripping reminder of how societal constraints can stifle creativity and ambition. As Vivian’s machinations become increasingly tangled, I felt her struggles keenly; as an ambitious woman in a world resistant to her brilliance, she embodies the rage and resilience many still face today.
Mutual Interest is not just a book for lovers of historical fiction; it’s a tale brimming with sharp observations on social stratification, the complexity of identity, and the relentless pursuit of power. If you revel in intricately woven narratives that explore ambition through a queer lens, dive into this novel—it’s sure to resonate with anyone keen on the dynamics of wealth, gender, and romance.
As I closed the final page, I was left reflecting on Vivian’s journey and the lengths one could go to secure not just a place in society, but the freedom to be unapologetically oneself. The reading experience was both a thrill and a reflection—a potent reminder that sometimes the most compelling stories are those laced with both triumph and heartache. If you’re looking for a read that dazzles while grappling with these themes, consider Mutual Interest a must-add to your reading list!