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asourceoffiction's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this book. It follows a dystopian vein that we know Ishiguro can navigate brilliantly (if you haven't read Never Let Me Go, it's an absolute must). But there's a simplicity and beauty to this that reflects Klara's sole objective; to be a loving companion to a lonely child.
Klara is incredibly observant of her surroundings, making her a really interesting narrator to follow. But she's not necessarily reliable, as her limited real world experience means she cannot infer much from what she sees. As a result we piece together the plot along with the concept of the world as a whole, but we can take our understanding further than Klara and in turn feel a great empathy for her and the way she tries desperately to do the right thing by Sophie at all times.
There are so many intricacies of this dystopian world that have been carefully crafted and thought out, but we get to learn almost nothing of them because they are not part of Klara's observed world. This is fully Klara's story, and it is clear that any other depth (however intriguing or confusing we find it) is not relevant to her narrative. But I was so left wishing I could know more about the history and the ways of the world, and what happened to so many of the characters outside the confines of this story.
Klara is incredibly observant of her surroundings, making her a really interesting narrator to follow. But she's not necessarily reliable, as her limited real world experience means she cannot infer much from what she sees. As a result we piece together the plot along with the concept of the world as a whole, but we can take our understanding further than Klara and in turn feel a great empathy for her and the way she tries desperately to do the right thing by Sophie at all times.
There are so many intricacies of this dystopian world that have been carefully crafted and thought out, but we get to learn almost nothing of them because they are not part of Klara's observed world. This is fully Klara's story, and it is clear that any other depth (however intriguing or confusing we find it) is not relevant to her narrative. But I was so left wishing I could know more about the history and the ways of the world, and what happened to so many of the characters outside the confines of this story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Gun violence
fraxisle's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness
Moderate: Child death, Dementia, and Mental illness
Minor: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Racism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Xenophobia, and Gun violence
nicolinebl's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I dont think I've ever read a book quite like this. Books/movies about robots aren't unique per se but something about this book, something about Klara, was very special and touching to me. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was very intrigued by the story. It was also a surprisingly emotional read at the end, I definitely shed some tears. Some great writing!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Bullying, and Grief
Minor: Gun violence
emmahe's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Minor: Gun violence
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