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The Unknown Ajax
608 pages
A sparkling comedy of manners where a brilliant hero hides behind a bumbling facade to outwit his eccentric, snobbish family.
What it feels like
Reading this classic Regency romp feels like stepping into a brilliantly staged theatrical farce, where every entrance is timed to perfection and every line of dialogue crackles with wit. The atmosphere is cozy yet lively, anchored by a sprawling, eccentric family whose bickering is as entertaining as it is absurd. At its heart is the deep satisfaction of watching a highly competent, quietly confident hero play the fool, using his relatives' own snobbery against them with wry affection rather than malice. The prose is elegant and arch, heavily reliant on sparkling banter and meticulously researched period slang. It is a steady, character-driven delight that rewards readers who love slow-burn romantic tension, hidden depths, and the sheer joy of watching a masterfully orchestrated comedic climax unfold.
- Mood
- cheerful
- cozy
- theatrical
- lively
- Tone
- witty
- wry
- farcical
- affectionate
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- hidden depths · family dysfunction · class prejudice · quiet competence · absurdity of social expectations
- The writing
- Elegant and arch, characterized by sparkling, rapid-fire dialogue and meticulously deployed Regency slang.
- The arc
- Begins with prickly familial resentment and slowly thaws into warm, chaotic affection and deeply satisfying romantic alignment.
- Who it's for
- Fans of classic comedies of manners who delight in highly competent characters playing the fool to outwit their snobbish relatives.
Content notes
- classism
- mild peril
About the book
Miles from anywhere, Darracott Place is presided over by elderly Lord Darracott. Irascible Lord Darracott rules his barony with a firm hand. The tragic accident that kills his eldest son by drowning has done nothing to improve his temper. For now he must send for the next heir apparent--the unknown offspring of the uncle whom the family are never permitted to mention. He also summoneds his bickering descendants to the rundown family estate. Yet none of that beleaguered family are prepared for the arrival of the weaver's brat and heir apparent...
The new heir is Major Hugo Darracott, “that damned weaver's brat” from the Yorkshire wilderness. The family members are ordered to lick Hugo into shape for his new status. Hugo is actually very, very rich and was raised to be a credit to both sides of his family. But his sense of humor makes it impossible to resist playing the ill-bred yokel of the Darracotts' worst fears.
Miles from anywhere, Darracott Place is presided over by elderly Lord Darracott. Irascible Lord Darracott rules his barony with a firm hand. The tragic accident that kills his eldest son by drowning has done nothing to improve his temper. For now he must send for the next heir apparent--the unknown offspring of the uncle whom the family are never permitted to mention. He also summoneds his bickering descendants to the rundown family estate. Yet none of that beleaguered family are prepared for the arrival of the weaver's brat and heir apparent...
The new heir is Major Hugo Darracott, “that damned weaver's brat” from the Yorkshire wilderness. The family members are ordered to lick Hugo into shape for his new status. Hugo is actually very, very rich and was raised to be a credit to both sides of his family. But his sense of humor makes it impossible to resist playing the ill-bred yokel of the Darracotts' worst fears.
Making the best of a bad situation, Anthea Darracott was civil to her newly-met cousin Hugh--but barely. For Anthea, reduced to accepting the charity of Lord Darracott, had been ordered to marry Hugh, new heir to the Darracott fortune. Lord Darracott's plan seemed perfect--to him: Hugh, the offspring of his son and a common weaver's daughter, might bring an unsuitable wife into the family. To prevent this disaster, Hugh must marry the impoverished, 22-year-old spinster Anthea. Knowing this, the two young people detested one another on sight. The infant Cupid was shooting his arrows with an appalling lack of aim that season....
Description from Open Library.
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