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emilymbrown's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
dawndiscusses's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 - 3.75 stars
While Klara and The Sun certainly showcases Ishuguro's skilled writing, I think for those who prefer character-driven introspective storytelling, the book's plot-heavy and world-building-focused elements may be hard to get through at times. And yet, for those interested in world-building and heavy sci-fi elements I think the lack of detail may prove frustrating.
The beginning section was surprisingly my favourite, I found Klara's insights endearing and enjoyed her naive, offbeat understanding of the world. As the plot picked up, the characters added didn't feel developed or interesting and the story failed to really reach anywhere satisfying or compelling. I didn't feel it provided the profound insights into human nature as promised, not did the big punch, single sentence message at the end, really deliver for me although I did adore the ending scene.
However, while I certainly had my issues reading this, I still retain mostly positive feelings towards this book and that's largely due to the shining aspect of this novel - captivating narrator Klara. Her perspective and unique voices were the true highlights, making her the heart and soul of this story. Ishiguro's characterisation of her was brilliant - a pure, inquisitive, brave, heartfelt character that brought a compelling and engaging narrative to an otherwise vague and unlikable world. I truly believe I would not have finished this, if told by any other narrator. I absolutely adored Klara.
I can't quite imagine who the perfect reader for this book is although I will say I was surprised this wasn't YA, as it reads very young. Perhaps fans of coming-of-age stories, light sci-fi and compelling narrators are best suited to this unexpected novel. It gave me something to think about and I loved discussing this with my book club. A middle of the road, 'read it if you feel compelled' novel.
While Klara and The Sun certainly showcases Ishuguro's skilled writing, I think for those who prefer character-driven introspective storytelling, the book's plot-heavy and world-building-focused elements may be hard to get through at times. And yet, for those interested in world-building and heavy sci-fi elements I think the lack of detail may prove frustrating.
The beginning section was surprisingly my favourite, I found Klara's insights endearing and enjoyed her naive, offbeat understanding of the world. As the plot picked up, the characters added didn't feel developed or interesting and the story failed to really reach anywhere satisfying or compelling. I didn't feel it provided the profound insights into human nature as promised, not did the big punch, single sentence message at the end, really deliver for me although I did adore the ending scene.
However, while I certainly had my issues reading this, I still retain mostly positive feelings towards this book and that's largely due to the shining aspect of this novel - captivating narrator Klara. Her perspective and unique voices were the true highlights, making her the heart and soul of this story. Ishiguro's characterisation of her was brilliant - a pure, inquisitive, brave, heartfelt character that brought a compelling and engaging narrative to an otherwise vague and unlikable world. I truly believe I would not have finished this, if told by any other narrator. I absolutely adored Klara.
I can't quite imagine who the perfect reader for this book is although I will say I was surprised this wasn't YA, as it reads very young. Perhaps fans of coming-of-age stories, light sci-fi and compelling narrators are best suited to this unexpected novel. It gave me something to think about and I loved discussing this with my book club. A middle of the road, 'read it if you feel compelled' novel.
jess606's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.75
I'm trash at writing reviews because I don't focus on hidden narratives and themes, but whatever.
Without giving away too many spoilers, i really didn't know how this book made me feel.
Oh lord, we have a chaterbox...
Vague spoilers!
Favourite character(s): Maybe... Rick?
It had potential in the beginning, but the narration style is really plain and a bit boring. However, I will give that the benefit of the doubt since the story is from the POV of a robot.
Speaking of Klara, I was confused about what.... she is?? Like, she's an Artifical Friend. Ok. But is she supposed to be smart or not? Why does shebelieve the Cootings machine is the problem? I thought she would have the entire internet database in her head or at least knew the sun wasn't a sentient being.
Also how did everyone just magically get on board with trusting her and her plan? Her plan was dumb as hell, i have to be honest. Why was no one questioning her further on what she planned to do and how it would help?
And why wasRick's mom that way... why was she so out of pocket and caught up on her passionate love affair with some man like 20 years ago?
AND FOR THE LOVE OF THE SUN, WHAT IS A COOTINGS MACHINE!???!?!?!!!?!! The lack of descriptions in this book frustrates me because i don't know what anyone looks like. I DO know what all the buildings and streets and pavement and the dustbunny in the corner look like, though.
I felt the characters were pretty flat. There's nothing more to them than what you see (except for the mom, i guess? But she's literally such a big hater lmfao. But she's under some stress, so i guess it's ok).
I'm supposed to believe Rick and Josie are bffs that will marry each other later on (or something???) but their entire friendship felt cringe and kind of awkward. It's like when your mom tells you to play with the neighbour's kid (it actually is that).
There was something interesting near the end of the book, and I was hoping for a darker turn to the story. Literally ANYTHING to save me from the purgatory that was a bland and dull existence. But nope. Nothing happens. It had so much potential and it felt like "oh everything's falling into place, that's why this this and this happened." But nah it got pushed aside.
The ending of the book was????? definitely an ending. It was definitely one of the endings of all times for a book.
Everything is just magically solved? It felt like when I beg the professor screaming, crying, and throwing up, for an extension on an assignment and then he answers back "k. -sent from my iphone".
The worldbuilding was vague and I still don't know whatbeing 'lifted' means. I assume from the context clues that it's something to do with genetically altering your kids' intelligence?
I had to listen to this book at almost 2x speed. I kept increasing the speed and trying my best to just FINISH the book. The narrator was good, though. The different voices kept me entertained and she tried her best to make the narration interesting even though it was so boring (and monotonous since it's from Klara's pov).
Am I this book's biggest hater? no. Did I have high expectations for this book? Kind of. At least I didn't physically buy this book, because then i would have to find a way to get rid of it.
1.75 stars because of everything, but I've read worse. And the little bit aboutKlara potentially replacing Josie and why the mom chose her and stuff was interesting and gave me false hope. It's good if you want something boring and disappointing. This is my first book from this author, so maybe his other works are better, but man...
Without giving away too many spoilers, i really didn't know how this book made me feel.
Oh lord, we have a chaterbox...
Vague spoilers!
Favourite character(s): Maybe... Rick?
It had potential in the beginning, but the narration style is really plain and a bit boring. However, I will give that the benefit of the doubt since the story is from the POV of a robot.
Speaking of Klara, I was confused about what.... she is?? Like, she's an Artifical Friend. Ok. But is she supposed to be smart or not? Why does she
Also how did everyone just magically get on board with trusting her and her plan? Her plan was dumb as hell, i have to be honest. Why was no one questioning her further on what she planned to do and how it would help?
And why was
AND FOR THE LOVE OF THE SUN, WHAT IS A COOTINGS MACHINE!???!?!?!!!?!! The lack of descriptions in this book frustrates me because i don't know what anyone looks like. I DO know what all the buildings and streets and pavement and the dustbunny in the corner look like, though.
I felt the characters were pretty flat. There's nothing more to them than what you see (except for the mom, i guess? But she's literally such a big hater lmfao. But she's under some stress, so i guess it's ok).
I'm supposed to believe Rick and Josie are bffs that will marry each other later on (or something???) but their entire friendship felt cringe and kind of awkward. It's like when your mom tells you to play with the neighbour's kid (it actually is that).
There was something interesting near the end of the book, and I was hoping for a darker turn to the story. Literally ANYTHING to save me from the purgatory that was a bland and dull existence. But nope. Nothing happens. It had so much potential and it felt like "oh everything's falling into place, that's why this this and this happened." But nah it got pushed aside.
The ending of the book was????? definitely an ending. It was definitely one of the endings of all times for a book.
Everything is just magically solved? It felt like when I beg the professor screaming, crying, and throwing up, for an extension on an assignment and then he answers back "k. -sent from my iphone".
The worldbuilding was vague and I still don't know what
I had to listen to this book at almost 2x speed. I kept increasing the speed and trying my best to just FINISH the book. The narrator was good, though. The different voices kept me entertained and she tried her best to make the narration interesting even though it was so boring (and monotonous since it's from Klara's pov).
Am I this book's biggest hater? no. Did I have high expectations for this book? Kind of. At least I didn't physically buy this book, because then i would have to find a way to get rid of it.
1.75 stars because of everything, but I've read worse. And the little bit about
mahovina's review against another edition
3.0
I find myself wanting to write reviews but then I never do because I do not know what I want to say. Especially for this book - this is a first from this author even though I've heard of him. The beginning was a bit slow for me but I understood what it was about and overall it was interesting. But eh.
eliimellie26's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.75
geesreadingcorner's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
raefkazi's review against another edition
5.0
A poetic meditation on observation and what it means to be human.
On a sidenote, it reminded me of the film After Yang. Two stories dealing with robot "helpers" and using science fiction to get to the heart of being human. (Love it when stories do that)
On a sidenote, it reminded me of the film After Yang. Two stories dealing with robot "helpers" and using science fiction to get to the heart of being human. (Love it when stories do that)
meg_dyer's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
shxx2's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I think Klara and her faith in the sun was sweet if not a little frustrating (as someone who isn't religious), but it all worked out in the end.