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A review by starryeyedenigma
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Longlisted for Booker 2021, I had a tough time deciding how to rate this book. So I went back to my usual criteria of - Did I learn something new? Did the book entertain me?, to rate the book.
This is the second book I've read by Kazuo Ishiguro. The first one was The Buried Giant. I actually preferred the story or concept in that book than this one to be honest. But, I think his writing style is not something I enjoy in general, probably because of the pacing style.
The best part about this story was the unique narrator - an AI or AF (Artificial Friend) called Klara. Although the book is called Klara and the Sun, it is about Klara's understanding about the world and the humans occupying it. While she is made in the copy of a human child, while living with the family that buys her to be a companion for their daughter - Josie, Klara learns what it means to be a human, to be loved and to have hope and believe in something.
I liked the overall message in the book, it definitely ends with a positive message for the readers. There were a few heartbreaking moments as well. But I felt that there were quite a few themes that were introduced but left for the readers to speculate on. A good thing for a book club discussion.
The setting is futuristic and the author has also tried to explore themes of friendship, love, classism in the future, bullying, in this book. So yes, its not fast paced and might get a trifle boring half way through the book, but I think its a good book to read, just to remind ourselves about what makes us humans and the importance of Sun in our lives :) I for one definitely felt the need to immediately soak in the sunshine right after reading this book.
This is the second book I've read by Kazuo Ishiguro. The first one was The Buried Giant. I actually preferred the story or concept in that book than this one to be honest. But, I think his writing style is not something I enjoy in general, probably because of the pacing style.
The best part about this story was the unique narrator - an AI or AF (Artificial Friend) called Klara. Although the book is called Klara and the Sun, it is about Klara's understanding about the world and the humans occupying it. While she is made in the copy of a human child, while living with the family that buys her to be a companion for their daughter - Josie, Klara learns what it means to be a human, to be loved and to have hope and believe in something.
I liked the overall message in the book, it definitely ends with a positive message for the readers. There were a few heartbreaking moments as well. But I felt that there were quite a few themes that were introduced but left for the readers to speculate on. A good thing for a book club discussion.
The setting is futuristic and the author has also tried to explore themes of friendship, love, classism in the future, bullying, in this book. So yes, its not fast paced and might get a trifle boring half way through the book, but I think its a good book to read, just to remind ourselves about what makes us humans and the importance of Sun in our lives :) I for one definitely felt the need to immediately soak in the sunshine right after reading this book.