The Unknown Ajax July 2019 Group Read Chapters 1 - 10

[Critterbee❇]

It is time for The Unknown Ajax!

Is this your first read? How many times have you read the book?
And... which edition / version are you reading?

Please remember to use spoiler tags or to post in the spoiler thread to avoid spoiling anyone's first time, or first-in-a-long-time, read.

[Critterbee❇]

I have read this many times, and remember being surprised by how much I loved it. This time, I will be reading it on my kindle, but will read our library copy at work - will update that cover later.

[Jackie]

I am listening to my library's audio version, it is unabridged (YAY!) and read by Daniel Philpott. I also downloaded the ebook version for when I want a look back.
I used to own the paperback and have read it many, many times. It's one of those many Heyer I enjoy but not in my top 3 or 5.

[Susan in NC]

Jackie wrote: "I am listening to my library's audio version, it is unabridged (YAY!) and read by Daniel Philpott. I also downloaded the ebook version for when I want a look back.
I used to own the paperback and h..."

I’m with Jackie - have read this one many times, will also listen to audiobook The Unknown Ajax this time, and I thought I had a paperback version around here somewhere, but I can’t locate it right now...so, I’ll have to get by with audiobook! We’ve read this pretty recently, so I think I’ll be fine.

This is a favorite of mine, maybe not top three, but always a lark!

[Carolina]

Hello! This would be my first time reading the Unknown Ajax and first time participating in a group read, so I'm excited! :)

[Abigail]

What a thrill, Carolina! We're delighted to join you on your journey!

[Rosina]

I have a paperback , but will probably listen to the audio version. I'm pretty sure I've owned the paperback since it was printed in 1972 ...

On the other hand, it is a favourite, and not that long since I last listened, so I may just keep up the discussion without revision!

[Critterbee❇]

Carolina wrote: "Hello! This would be my first time reading the Unknown Ajax and first time participating in a group read, so I'm excited! :)"

That is awesome, can not wait to hear your thoughts on the book!

[Theresa]

I thought I had read all Heyer's books way back when, but nothing in the summary sounds familiar. We will see. I am reading it in ebook, this edition .

I have a trade paperback of it around here somewhere too, but too hard to locate right now.

[Critterbee❇]

This is the version that my library has - only one copy, and it is large print. Here is a larger version of the cover:

So that makes me have two thoughts:

1. I don't understand the choice of cover or how it connects to the story,

and

2. We need to order more copies of this title for our library system!!

[Rosina]

I like the picture, but I can't think of any mention of swans, nor is there a lake involved where we could imagine swans. There is the sea, but I don't think swans swim in the sea.

Unless it's referencing the 1979 film The Warriors, with characters Swan, Ajax, Cowboy and Snow (a film I've never heard of, but came up on googling).

[Critterbee❇]

Who really knows what prompted the publisher to go with that cover? At least we have one copy, but we need more throughout the system.

I am excited to start this book tonight!

[Margaret]

This is one of my very favorite Heyers. I'll be reading it on my Kindle this time, especially since I'm going to be traveling for several days early in July, but my first copy was the Jove paperback , and the one currently on my shelves is a hardcover with the Barbosa cover .

[Critterbee❇]

I love that Barbosa cover Margaret, it is so pretty.

[Barb in Maryland]

I love Hugo and Anthea is a dear--but the rest of the Darracotts! {{{shudder}}} It has only been 2 years since I last read this, so I think I'll give it as pass...

[Jackie]

Susan in NC, what do you think of that dress Anthea is wearing on the cover of the audio version? I think the hat looks like a lampshade! And is that weird leather trim?

[Jackie]

Shoot, on my phone I don't know how to edit the post oh, I meant on her dress it has weird trim that looks like it's leather...?

[Susan in NC]

Critterbee❇ wrote: "I love that Barbosa cover Margaret, it is so pretty."

Me, too - I’d love to collect all of the Heyer books with those covers - the sourcebooks paperbacks I have are lovely, and a present from my mom so sentimental value (on top of being Heyer books, so one of my favorite authors), but those original Barbosa covers look almost like fashion plates from the day, they seemed to strive for authentic styles for the characters!

[Susan in NC]

Jackie wrote: "Shoot, on my phone I don't know how to edit the post oh, I meant on her dress it has weird trim that looks like it's leather...?"

I agree, it does look odd - but I think it’s the illustration, I’ve noticed several of the Audible Heyer covers have that odd cartoonish look! This one looks fairly authentic, with the poke bonnet? I think that’s what it’s called - and the high waistline on the pelisse, but brown leather or velvet or whatever it is with a greenish blue would not be my ideal color choice!

I always thought this was a particularly odd cover, the man’s pose and costume look far too modern to me: . (Sorry, going off subject here, but it always pops upon my Amazon page and irks me!)

[Teresa]

He looks like a gangster from the Cagney era:)

[Teresa]

My version is by Arrow books.


I'll be a little late starting this month. I haven't read it for a long time so looking forward to it.

[Susan in NC]

Teresa wrote: "He looks like a gangster from the Cagney era:)"

Yes he does!

[Barb in Maryland]

Margaret wrote: "This is one of my very favorite Heyers. I'll be reading it on my Kindle this time, especially since I'm going to be traveling for several days early in July, but my first copy was the Jove paperbac..."

Oh that Jove cover! Charles Geer did such dreamy illustrations. And I love all of Barbosa's GH covers--so stylish and smart!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Oh I love that Barbosa cover! One of his best.

I have the same cover as Teresa & the header. Not even the right period.

This is ne of the titles I've probably read 50 times. It is a favourite.

[Jackie]

Barb in Maryland wrote: "I love Hugo and Anthea is a dear--but the rest of the Darracotts! {{{shudder}}} It has only been 2 years since I last read this, so I think I'll give it as pass..."

I think I will reply to this in the spoilers thread

[Critterbee❇]

Jackie wrote: "Barb in Maryland wrote: "I love Hugo and Anthea is a dear--but the rest of the Darracotts! {{{shudder}}} It has only been 2 years since I last read this, so I think I'll give it as pass..."

I think I will reply to this in the spoilers thread ..."

Good idea, I will pop over to follow!

[Julie]

This one’s a brand new read for me, a library version with the same cover as Theresa’s e-book. I’m looking forward to it!

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I own the Sourcebooks hard copy . Later, i purchased the kindle edition via one of the GH birthday sales.

This timearound, I am going to listen to the audio edition with Daniel Philpott.

[Abigail]

Woohoo, two new recruits to Team Hugo!

[Moloch]

I'm planning to start soon. Some of your comments in other discussions made me very curious about this book, I usually like the ones with heavy plot/light romance.

[Theresa]

I won't be starting to read it until I'm heading off on vacation on July 9th. I will have time in airport/plane perfect for it!

[Jackie]

I never thought about the similarities to Dowton Abbey, that's a really good point, Carolina!

[Critterbee❇]

Carolina, I have moved your post to the spoiler threads because it contained spoilers. Please post spoiler there, or use spoiler tags when posting in non-spoiler threads. Thanks!

[Carolina]

Critterbee❇ wrote: "Carolina, I have moved your post to the spoiler threads because it contained spoilers. Please post spoiler there, or use spoiler tags when posting in non-spoiler threads. Thanks!"

I'M SO SORRY. I assumed - wrongly - that we could comment in this thread anything that happens in the book between chapter 1 and 10.

[Susan in NC]

Carolina wrote: "Critterbee❇ wrote: "Carolina, I have moved your post to the spoiler threads because it contained spoilers. Please post spoiler there, or use spoiler tags when posting in non-spoiler threads. Thanks..."

Understandable - great points you made, especially about Downton, I had forgotten that first episode and the whole story line about waiting for the new heir to arrive!

And I totally agree, an entertaining family to read about, but I would not want to live with them - especially darling grandpapa!

[Teresa]

Reading the comments I can't wait to get started. I was in hospital on Monday and haven't been feeling the best all week so that's why I'm putting it off. I really need to be able to concentrate when reading a good book so that's why I'm stalling. Hope to start the weekend,

[Abigail]

So sorry you've been unwell, Teresa, and hope it's nothing lasting! When you're ready, there's nothing like a good Heyer to compensate for miseries.

[Teresa]

Thanks Abigail. One of those things Abigail where you're hoping for something definite and then 'results inconclusive'. Back to square one. Yes I agree. Heyer is the best. Just the old concentration isn't the best at the moment.

[Abigail]

Ugh, isn't that frustrating? We think of medicine as an exact science and feel so cheated when it is proved not to be! I had one of those last month, at least initially, being sent home from the emergency room with a description rather than a diagnosis. Luckily for me, the "inflammation of the chest muscles" ultimately revealed itself as shingles and not any of the more dire possibilities (when they are considering pericarditis and blood clots as alternatives, one learns to be grateful for shingles!). Hoping a similar outcome for you.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Get well soon Teresa!

[Teresa]

Thanks Carol.

Abigail I know it's great not to have any serious chest problems but I believe shingles are no joke!! It never ends does it. Once you reach a certain age it just seems to be one thing after another. Thank God for my GR friends. Ye keep me going.

[Susan in NC]

Abigail wrote: "Ugh, isn't that frustrating? We think of medicine as an exact science and feel so cheated when it is proved not to be! I had one of those last month, at least initially, being sent home from the em..."

Ugh, I had shingles at Christmas! But yes, compared to the other things you mentioned,I’ll take the shingles...

[Susan in NC]

Teresa wrote: "Thanks Abigail. One of those things Abigail where you're hoping for something definite and then 'results inconclusive'. Back to square one. Yes I agree. Heyer is the best. Just the old concentratio..."

I am so sorry, Teresa! Take care of yourself- *hugs* from N.C.!

[Jan]

Teresa wrote: "He looks like a gangster from the Cagney era:)"

LOL. Also, hope you're feeling better soon, Teresa.

Critterbee, that cover with the swans is ?????? Weird for a Heyer book, isn't it? Doesn't seem to relate the story, except for the heart shape, I guess. What were they thinking?

[Jan]

I've read this one a few times, and always liked it. Haven't read it for a while. Looking forward to the reread.

This time I'm on kindle. Here is the cover. I don't like it that much. I assume it's meant to be Hugo, but that's not really how I picture him.


I've just read Chapter 1 and am sucked straight into the story. I like how (view spoiler)[ we don't meet Hugo in this chapter at all, but we do meet an instantly interesting set of characters, including some of the servants. I liked the bit from the footman's (Charles) POV. I also like the sense of anticipation about Hugo's arrival. You know he is going to set the cat amongst the proverbial pigeons. Even for first time readers, it's obvious he's not going to be what anybody expected. The 'unknown Ajax' indeed. (hide spoiler)]

[Susan in NC]

So true!

[Karlyne]

Results inconclusive and shingles- both nasty! Hope you're both feeling better, Teresa and Abigail.

I just roared with laughter as I realized that my late father-in-law would have loved to have the freedom Lord Darracott had to be disagreeable in such a grand way. And I now picture his lordship with my father-in-law's face.

[Susan in NC]

Karlyne wrote: "Results inconclusive and shingles- both nasty! Hope you're both feeling better, Teresa and Abigail.

I just roared with laughter as I realized that my late father-in-law would have loved to have th..."

😆 I’m really enjoying listening to the Audible as I read along - Daniel Philpott really captures the old tyrant’s voice and crotchety demeanor!

[Abigail]

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

And Karlyne, I would imagine that a Lord Darracott character would be a lot more fun on the page than in real life. Yikes!

[Jan]

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 some background info.

I've just been reading the very funny scene in Chapter 8 between the rival valets Polyphant and Crimplesham, and their Machiavellian battle to prove their superiority. Hilarious.