Dynamos Book Club

[Sweaty Eds]

The next meeting of the Dynamos Book Club will be held in the library at the back of The Ivy on Friday 27th June at 6pm.

As you know this month’s book is ‘The Remains of the Day’ by Kazuo Ishiguro. The novel details the realisation by Stevens, the butler, that he may have taken the wrong path in his life with regard to his master, service and love. Please try to be prompt for six because a couple of Dynamos members are going to re-enact one of the more pertinent episodes from the book. It will be the scene where old fashioned but kind hearted Stevens (played by Flapjack) has an inkling that the morally dubious Lord Darlington (played by Our Beloved Chairman) does not have the best interests and long term welfare of the animals kept his huge Ludchurch estate uppermost in his thoughts.

This event is open to non-cyclists as well as cyclists so we may get a rare appearance from the Valley Road social members.

[Sweaty Eds]

Couple of pints in the Ivy tomorrow from 6.

Roger. Nut. has agreed to show off his new bike, the one with the fridge in it.

All welcome.

[ValleyMan]

Sweaty I will also be signing copies of my latest publication ‘Containment systems for the prevention of pollution’ this is a limited edition so please get there early to avoid disappointment.

[mikeyf]

I’ll be there!

[mikeyf]

So who plays ‘Miss Kentons’ part?

[Sweaty Eds]

Is she in Valleyman’s book?

If the Northern Dynamos want to act out a little piece as well I’m sure that will be fine.

[mikeyf]

I think the ‘Northern Dynamos ‘ might be forming a splinter group, so the auditions for the play will be have to be held in ‘Bessies’ on Tuesday evenings !

[mikeyf]

Sweats…she’s in your book:

Miss Kenton – housekeeper at Darlington Hall, afterwards married as Mrs Benn, the novel begins with Stevens receiving a letter from a former colleague, Miss Kenton, describing her married life, which he believes hints at an unhappy marriage. The receipt of the letter coincides with Stevens having the opportunity to revisit this once-cherished relationship, if only under the guise of investigating the possibility of re-employment. Stevens’s new employer, a wealthy American named Mr Farraday, encourages Stevens to borrow his car to take a well-earned break, a “motoring trip”. As he sets out, Stevens has the opportunity to reflect on his immutable loyalty to Lord Darlington, on the meaning of the term “dignity”, and even on his relationship with his own late father. Ultimately Stevens is forced to ponder the true nature of his relationship with Miss Kenton. As the book progresses, increasing evidence of Miss Kenton’s one-time love for Stevens, and of his for her, is revealed.

Working together during the years leading up to the Second World War, Stevens and Miss Kenton fail to admit their true feelings towards each other. All of their recollected conversations show a professional friendship which at times came close to crossing the line into romance, but never dared to do so.

Miss Kenton, it later emerges, has been married for over 20 years and therefore is no longer Miss Kenton but has become Mrs Benn. She admits to wondering occasionally what a life with Stevens might have been like, but she has come to love her husband and is looking forward to the birth of their first grandchild. Stevens muses over lost opportunities, both with Miss Kenton and with his long-time employer, Lord Darlington. At the end of the novel, Stevens instead focuses on the “remains of [his] day”, referring to his future service with Mr Farraday.

P.S Dynamos gents who feel comfortable wearing 1930s style dresses can also apply to audition for this part……

[Sweaty Eds]

Correct me if I’m mistaken, Michael, but what you seem to be saying is that we should embrace our past experiences, good, bad or indifferent, and rather than dwell on our imperfections we should use this life learning to shape the future choices in what remains of our days.

Profound.

..and if anyone wants to dress up as a lady you’re happy to take some photo’s.

[mikeyf]

Of course private sessions can be arranged Mr Sweats for any shy Dynamos!!

[Author]

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