The Unknown Ajax Group Read May 2017 Chapters 1-10

[Susan in NC]

Thanks, Jackie - I never noticed it on my previous reads; I agree with Abigail's comment, it's so much fun reading with the group, I notice so much more!

[Howard]

Cindy wrote: "I LOVE Hugo! So mischievous, but he is is a darling. He rolls me with that soulful story of his passion for Miss Amelia Melkinthorpe. Such a prankster, but he can turn all-business in a trice. Now ..."

Hugo had to have complete confidence in his own status.

[Elza]

Having read this not too long ago, I'm looking more at how the story is told than what actually happens.

I, too, was interested in the part that servants play in this story. Having Charles the footman as the focus of the opening chapter lets Heyer explain to us what the situation is with this family -- who's who, and where (and why) they are. She does this kind of exposition so effortlessly, without it reading like a lecture.

But the most entertaining, I think, are Crimplesham and Polyphant -- those names! LOL! And their rivalry is played for laughs, as opposed to (view spoiler)[Lady Ingham's dresser in Sylvester, who is maliciously jealous of Phoebe. (hide spoiler)]

[Sheila (in LA)]

Finally made it to the half-way point (not a reflection of my enjoyment of the book). Given that there are a lot of characters in this book, I have to say that I'm impressed at how distinct they all are. There are four men of a similar age in this book--Claud, Vincent, Richmond and Hugo--but it's impossible to mix them up.

Not at all sure where things are going--how Hugo is going to deal with this white elephant he's going to inherit is my biggest question, followed by what is going to happen with Vincent.

[Susan in NC]

Good times ahead, Sheila - all will be revealed! Enjoy!

[Sheila (in LA)]

Susan in NC wrote: "Good times ahead, Sheila - all will be revealed! Enjoy!"

Thank you, Susan! :)

[Amy]

I'm listening to it as an audiobook which makes my enjoyment of it much slower than if I had read it when I could just power through. I have to say though that I am really enjoying the slow reveal of Hugo's true character. Very masterfully done.

I love watching as all the other character slowly begin to realize that they've missed judged him.

[Sheila (in LA)]

Amy wrote: "I'm listening to it as an audiobook which makes my enjoyment of it much slower than if I had read it when I could just power through. I have to say though that I am really enjoying the slow reveal ..."

And who will be the last to recognize his true character? I'm betting on Vincent!

[Susan in NC]

Amy wrote: "I'm listening to it as an audiobook which makes my enjoyment of it much slower than if I had read it when I could just power through. I have to say though that I am really enjoying the slow reveal ..."

You've mentioned before how fun the audio is, but I was unable to find it. If I do, I will definitely enjoy it!

[Susan in NC]

Sheila wrote: "Amy wrote: "I'm listening to it as an audiobook which makes my enjoyment of it much slower than if I had read it when I could just power through. I have to say though that I am really enjoying the ..."

As the Go-Gos said, our lips are sealed! ;)

[QNPoohBear]

I'm rereading this one - only the second time for me and I find it tough with all the slang. I know what they're saying but it's a little excessive here.

Another story about a tyrant of an old man and his family. I like Mrs. Daracott though she'd drive me crazy in real life. Anthea is nice when she's with her mother and I suppose I can't fault her for her reaction to her grandfather's plan. I would probably feel the same way, however, it prejudices her against her cousin when he hasn't even arrived yet.

Claud is cute in a puppy dog sort of way but Vincent is not nice. Richmond seems like he needs to get out of the house and spread his wings a bit. He's army mad but he also admires Vincent the Corinthian. Richmond seems intelligent and I like how he knows how to handle his grandfather.

[QNPoohBear]

Now I am laughing out loud. I love Claud. He's so adorable in a dandy/fop sort of way. Hugo is messing with poor Claud's head. The Tommys! I laughed out loud at that one.

This book is interesting because even when the narrative is focused only on Hugo we don't get into his head. Anthea seems to be figuring him out though and Lady Aurelia is also pretty shrewd. She's an outsider so I think she's in a position to know how Hugo must feel.

[Karlyne]

I love the humor in this book!

[Abigail]

I agree, Karlyne! I also like the balance between humor and seriousness (later in the plot), action and romance.

[Karlyne]

Yes, and I like that the misunderstandings that happen are funny and sort of inconsequential. Hugo makes me laugh and I love him for that!

[Amy]

I wish Claud had his own book so we could see what happened to him. If I remember correctly both he and Vincent were rather young so there's hope that they both grew up eventually.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Amy wrote: "I wish Claud had his own book so we could see what happened to him. If I remember correctly both he and Vincent were rather young so there's hope that they both grew up eventually."

I think Vincent is around the same age as Hugo. :)

[QNPoohBear]

Yes Vincent is an immature 27, the same age as Hugo. Claud is a couple years younger and Richmond is teenager. I just dropped the book off at the library this morning so I can't double check.

[Karlyne]

Vincent comes off as immature because he's selfish and self-centered, like a lot of two year olds. Hugo, on the other hand, looks at people and actually sees them and cares about them. That makes him light years ahead of Vincent in the emotional maturity department!

[Howard]

Karlyne wrote: "Vincent comes off as immature because he's selfish and self-centered, like a lot of two year olds. Hugo, on the other hand, looks at people and actually sees them and cares about them. That makes h..."

Hugo also responds by looking for solutions and acting on them.

[QNPoohBear]

Vincent is lazy, spoiled and peevish while Hugo has had experience in the army commanding younger men. He too can behave immaturely though-his "tendency to levity" leads him astray once in awhile. The difference is, Hugo knows how to use his brain and think on his feet while Vincent doesn't have to think about much at all except his horses, cards and whatever insult he's going to hurl at his brother next.