A review by miromie
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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? It's complicated

5.0

There is so much I enjoyed about this novel. What I most enjoyed, however, is the writing style. It is told through the unreliable narrator Klara, and readers see the story in a childlike, almost clinical tone. This narrative allows the story to develop through the characters, rather than being intensely  plot-driven, which I really appreciated. Klara is detached without being cold, artificial without being insincere, and that demonstrates the true talent of Ishiguro. He is able to create characters that are dynamic without revealing too much, though Klara is particularly observant.

Along with the narrative voice, I truly enjoyed the setting. Klara’s story takes place in the near future and that put everything into perspective. I was able to see the characters, plot, themes, and world-building in a distinct and highly believable manner. I think that the science-fiction element of this story is just enough; it is not overwhelming, and that made the story really enjoyable for me.

Truly, there isn’t a single thing I disliked about Ishiguro’s novel. It is beautifully told, ends succinctly and fairly, and has extremely well-done characters, all of which I need and want in a novel. I think I will read this novel over and over again in the years to come.