The Unknown Ajax July 2019 Group Read Chapters 1 - 10

[Michaela]

I´ll be reading this for the first time, so no spoilers please! ;)
Also got the Arrow edition. Will start in my holidays from tomorrow on.

[Tuesdayschild]

I'm looking forward to relistening to this GH title as I flat out enjoy how droll Hugh and his skill at working the 'crowd' perfectly.

[Susan in NC]

Jan wrote: "Abigail wrote: "Jan, interesting that you highlighted the opening from the footman's point of view. Heyer doesn't do that very often!
"

Yes, I thought it was an interesting way to give readers som..."

That was great! I was doing Audible at the same time, and it was so funny- there are several great scenes that just scream “film me”, and that is one of them.

[Karlyne]

Both my father-in-law and my mother-in-law were very autocratic and were shocked when their last word wasn't taken as such. They had good qualities, but listening and understanding weren't fortes. Hugo's non-confrontational behavior really was the best way to deal with his grandfather!

[Rebecca]

I promise I'll get started tomorrow! This week has been just wild. Can't wait...this has always been one of my favorite Heyer books.

[Karlyne]

I've read this twice before, I think, and I still can't put it down! I simply adore Hugo.

[Abigail]

I couldn't wait anymore either. Was supposed to read two other books first but the Darracotts seduced me away.

[Karlyne]

I left Jayber Crow hanging for the Darracotts, but he's a patient kind of guy, so I'm hoping he doesn't mind. 😏

[Julie]

I’m seven chapters in now, and I have to say my favourite moment was Hugo’s arrival at Darracott Place, with the three hostile Darracott men arrayed against him. Priceless! At least Mrs Darracott was sweetly welcoming.

I’ve read perhaps ten or so Heyers, and this is the first time I’ve come across a hero like Hugo. The others have all been rakes, lords, or some variation thereof. But here we have a plain military man, one who scorns a valet, moreover one of unruffled demeanour and unfailing good humour. I’ve enjoyed seeing how the Darracott’s react to him, as he is quite new to their experience as well.

[Moloch]

I haven't read a lot of Heyers but this is one of the unhappiest families she has showed me so far! So many fights, father vs sons, brother vs brother, and a general mood of uneasiness and fear caused by the tyrannical lord, and so many violent and untimely deaths!

It's like a gloomy atmosphere haunts the place, like the fabled ghost that Richmond claims to have seen.

[Abigail]

She certainly does create a mood, doesn't she? From the generations of lords acting badly to the brooding marsh.

For those who take an interest in her non-historical novels, the family has a good bit in common with the one in Penhallow.

[Abigail]

Heyer's gift for vivid characterization is certainly on display here. Introducing Lady Aurelia by means of a walk through the gardens: "She never uttered an adverse criticism, but her hostesses had been known to uproot whole borders only because she had said, with flat civility, 'Very pretty'; and her way of ignoring the presence of a weed could cover the hardiest with shame." Say no more, we get her!

[Jackie]

I was also reminded of Penhallow as both families are ruled by a horrible old despot. This family is more realistic, I think. It's been awhile since I read Penhallow but I don't remember them as fully drawn and believable as the Darracotts.

[Critterbee❇]

The feeling of Penhallow, though! I was tense with my shoulders up around my ears for that entire book. And while the Darracotts do have a lot in common with the Penhallows, the warm and comfortable, hopeful feeling of The Unknown Ajax really makes it an all-time fav of mine!

[Karlyne]

Although I think Penhallow is a masterpiece, the Darracotts are much more likeable, even in their selfishness and arrogance. There not only isn't a Hugo in Penhallow, but there's not even anyone who comes close to his intelligence and caring heart! He's a real hero, and Penhallow doesn't have one.

[Abigail]

The Unknown Ajax is certainly more fun to read! You’re right, Karlyne, Hugo provides the leaven that makes the family bearable.

[Sandy]

Regarding covers: I read the kindle version and just enlarged the cover and found four women. Not counting the help are there ever four women in the house?

[Rebecca]

Abigail wrote: "Heyer's gift for vivid characterization is certainly on display here. Introducing Lady Aurelia by means of a walk through the gardens: "She never uttered an adverse criticism, but her hostesses had..."

LOL, I had a great-aunt just like her! I lived in terror of her for my first six years, after which I finally learned to give as good as I got! I'd like to say I earner her respect, but we had a very fraught relationship until the day she died. At 97.

I had forgotten just how much I love this book! Hugo is, as has been mentioned, so different from most of Heyer's heroes. Anthea, as well, is full of spunk, even if she defers to her grandfather...mostly, I think, to spare her mother! And I adore the jockeying for position between the two valets!

[Abigail]

Ha, yes, women like that do appreciate it when you show some spunk--even if they don't let on. In my life it was my guardian who was a bit of a Lady Aurelia. And in my old age I occasionally enjoy channeling her.

[Rebecca]

Abigail wrote: "Ha, yes, women like that do appreciate it when you show some spunk--even if they don't let on. In my life it was my guardian who was a bit of a Lady Aurelia. And in my old age I occasionally enjoy ..."

I have to admit to doing a bit of that, myself...

[Teresa]

I'm finally starting this!! Looking forward to it.

[Theresa]

I finally started this last night and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I've reached chapter 8 and so far none of it is familiar. I had to have read this back in my teens or twenties when I read all of Heyer. Then again, I may have missed it if my local rural public library did not have a copy.

Those initial chapters setting up the Darracotts ... pure genius! Heyer is so crafty in the dialogue and scenes she sets so that in a very few pages, you have an absolutely remarkable, spot on picture of every single member of the family and the family circumstances.

And oh how that is a tease, making us wonder about Hugo and just how he is going to appear! I'd also never really thought before about just how the title, Unknown Ajax, has prepared us for his physical appearance in front of the family - well that is if you are familiar with myth and legend as Heyer's contemporaries would likely have been. I blame my recent reading of The Song of Achilles. And for any readers who have read their Shakespeare and their Homer, Vincent's snide comment to Anthea quoting Troilus & Cressida would immediately alert them to read between the lines when considering Hugo himself.

I may not finish before August 1, but I'm certainly enjoying this!

[Abigail]

So glad you're enjoying it, and your comments are very perceptive!