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©Kirton News 2023
A Gentleman in Moscow
written by Amor Towles
Amor Towles was born and raised in Massachusetts, in the Boston area. He graduated from Yale College and received an M.A. in English from Stanford University.
He published A Gentleman in Moscow in 2016, which also made it to the New York Times bestseller list.
Prior to delving into the events covered in the novel, it’s essential to understand the societal structure and historical context leading up to this period. The rigid class system under the Tsar, which relegated the majority of the population to lower-class status while a privileged upper class of landed nobility held power, sets the stage for the discontent that eventually erupts into revolution.
The February Revolution of 1917 marks the first major upheaval, resulting in the ousting of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of a provisional government. However, it is the October Revolution later that year that truly transforms Russian society, leading to the abolition of the nobility and the establishment of Soviet rule under the Bolsheviks.
The novel delves into the aftermath of these revolutions, exploring the challenges and transformations brought about by Soviet rule. The flight of many members of the Russian nobility and the creation of the Soviet Union in 1922 mark the beginning of a new era fraught with ideological struggles, economic challenges, and political repression.
In summary, the novel offers a rich tapestry of Russian history, spanning from the twilight of the Tsarist era through the tumultuous decades of Soviet rule. By intertwining historical events with the lives of its characters, it provides a nuanced exploration of the human experience amidst the backdrop of sweeping societal change.
On June 21, 1922, Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov receives a life sentence of house arrest at Moscow’s Metropol Hotel from a Bolshevik tribunal. The charge stems from his alleged composition of a poem in 1913 with revolutionary themes. As a member of the dwindling Russian nobility amidst the rise of Communist governance, he returns to the hotel after his hearing only to find most of his belongings confiscated and himself relocated from his opulent third-floor suite to a modest sixth-floor room.
In the initial weeks and months of his confinement, the Count struggles to adjust to his new reality. He grapples with restlessness and a lack of purpose, passing his days engaged in activities like reading, visiting the barber, dining at the hotel’s Boyarsky and Piazza restaurants, and frequenting the Shalyapin bar.
Crafting a compelling narrative within the confines of a stationary setting presents a considerable challenge, yet Towles exhibits masterful skill in doing so. Through his adept storytelling, he infuses the tale with excitement and intrigue, creating a captivating story that flourishes despite its constraints. This novel adeptly explores the Count’s journey within his confined world, showcasing Towles’ prowess as a writer.
This book excels on many fronts, earning my utmost admiration. Upon finishing such a remarkable work, one experiences a profound sense of dislocation from reality, realizing that something within oneself has shifted or awakened. “A Gentleman in Moscow” accomplishes this feat, leaving readers spellbound and contemplative. It is a testament to Towles’ talent that I unequivocally award this novel a rating of 5 stars.
Methodist Memory Cafe
Many people have visited Kirton Methodist Church. You may have come to the Services, Christmas or Spring Fayres, Young at Heart or Tots, Toast and Tea. We hope that you have enjoyed and a warm welcome and felt at home. We would also now like to offer a warm welcome to those who are living with memory loss and those who are seeking to support them. We will be holding a Coffee Morning every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month between 11.00am and 12.30pm. The atmosphere will be relaxed and informal. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be in plentiful supply as well as a large selection of biscuits. There will be music, quizzes, board games, and jigsaws. Or, you may just want to come for a cuppa and a chance to make new friends in a similar situation. We will also invite a variety of professionals who will be able to give advice on matters such as finance and medical issues. As the Café develops, we would be interested to learn what its members need or would like to have included in the mornings.
Our first Coffee Morning will take place on Wednesday 17th April 2024 in the Methodist Church Hall. We are looking forward to meeting you!
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions please feel free to email Jackie at Kirtonfamilyworker@gmail.com or call on 07907 865919.
Classic Car Club Charity evening
Last week the Boston Classic Car Club held their annual charity night at the Graves Park Social Club in Kirton. The evening is dedicated to presenting the amount collected by the Club over 2023 to the charity or charities nominated by the membership. The charities chosen were suggested by member June McCreary in memory of her husband Ian who passed away in 2022 and was sadly followed by June herself last year.
A total of £1500 was split equally between, Marie Curie Lincolnshire, MacMillan cancer support and the St Barnabas Hospice.
During the presentation two of our younger members, Emmy and Pip Knipps also handed over their pocket money to the charites in memory of their Grandad, the late John Fisher.
Kirton Consolidated Charities
has a property to let
A 1-bedroomed bungalow is now available with lounge, kitchen, and bathroom at 95 London Road, Kirton for a single senior citizen. Maintenance Contribution £175 per month.
This property will soon be available and any interested parties who are inhabitants of the village of Kirton or the neighbourhood, should apply in writing, giving full particulars, to: The Clerk (Mrs J Barnes), 21 Sea Lane, Butterwick, Boston, Lincs PE22 0HG by the 6th April 2024.
Former patients invited to help Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance celebrate 30th birthday
People treated by Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) are being invited to get in touch and help celebrate its 30th anniversary. LNAA first became operational in May 1994 and since then has responded to over 28,500 missions. Its pilots, doctors and paramedics provide the very best pre-hospital emergency care possible to some of the most seriously ill and injured people in Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire.
To mark 30 years, the charity is encouraging former patients or their families to get in touch and share their stories.
LNAA’s Patient Liaison Manager, Hayley Burton explained: “We have treated thousands of patients, and they are at the heart of everything we do. It is wonderful when former patients allow us to share their stories as they highlight how vital our life-saving service is within our local communities, whilst recognising the amazing work of our crew who respond, in average, to four potentially life-saving missions daily.”
Ruth has every reason to be grateful to LNAA. In the space of just 3 years, she has been airlifted to hospital twice after sustaining serious injuries from horse-riding accidents.
In June 2009, Ruth was jumping her horse in a field at her home near Grantham, Lincolnshire. When she was walking to leave the field, the horse reared and lost balance. Ruth was knocked over and her horse landed directly on top of her, breaking her pelvis in four places.
In October 2011, Ruth was riding in the very same field when she was thrown again, resulting in a broken leg.
Both times, the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance was called, and the doctor/paramedic teams treated her before deciding the quickest and safest option to transport her to Lincoln County Hospital was by air ambulance. Reaching up to speeds of 160mph, she arrived in a matter of minutes and was transferred into the care of waiting clinicians.
Ruth said: “The difference that the Air Ambulance makes when you have a serious injury and are in pain is outstanding!”
The team at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance are wanting to share stories spanning every year of the charity’s existence during its 30th Anniversary year. If you or a loved one has ever needed the services of LNAA and would like to share your story, they would love to hear from you at: media@ambucopter.org.uk
