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A review by rorikae
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In 'Klara and the Sun,' Kazuo Ishiguro proves his mastery of tackling large, existential questions through the small moments of life.
The story follows Klara, an AF or Artificial Friend, who is waiting to be purchased in a shop. Klara is particularly observant and she watches the world around her to learn more. Eventually, she is taken home by a family to be the companion for their daughter, Josie, a young girl who is suffering from an illness.
Similar to 'Never Let Me Go,' Ishiguro sets us down in a world that is near future and we get to learn the world through the eyes of someone who is new to it. We progress in understanding along with them and this not only frames the story successfully but it also creates connection between the reader and the protagonist. Even though Klara is an AF, she is deeply observant and tries to piece together the world surrounding her so that she can understand it. She tries to understand society, relationships, and what makes humanity human. Through her simple observations, Ishiguro comments on each of these things in profound ways. I would recommend going into this book knowing as little about it as possible because seeing the way that the world unfolds around Klara is both magical and unsettling. Things in this world don't seem quite right and getting to explore how this is true is part of the magic of this book.
Ishiguro is one of my favorite authors because of his quiet commentary. How he uses small everyday moments to explore the much larger questions about life. He has succeeded at this again in Klara and the Sun and I can't recommend it enough, especially if you have read 'Never Let Me Go' and enjoyed it. This would be a perfect book club read as the large themes and subtle commentary demand to be unpacked.
The story follows Klara, an AF or Artificial Friend, who is waiting to be purchased in a shop. Klara is particularly observant and she watches the world around her to learn more. Eventually, she is taken home by a family to be the companion for their daughter, Josie, a young girl who is suffering from an illness.
Similar to 'Never Let Me Go,' Ishiguro sets us down in a world that is near future and we get to learn the world through the eyes of someone who is new to it. We progress in understanding along with them and this not only frames the story successfully but it also creates connection between the reader and the protagonist. Even though Klara is an AF, she is deeply observant and tries to piece together the world surrounding her so that she can understand it. She tries to understand society, relationships, and what makes humanity human. Through her simple observations, Ishiguro comments on each of these things in profound ways. I would recommend going into this book knowing as little about it as possible because seeing the way that the world unfolds around Klara is both magical and unsettling. Things in this world don't seem quite right and getting to explore how this is true is part of the magic of this book.
Ishiguro is one of my favorite authors because of his quiet commentary. How he uses small everyday moments to explore the much larger questions about life. He has succeeded at this again in Klara and the Sun and I can't recommend it enough, especially if you have read 'Never Let Me Go' and enjoyed it. This would be a perfect book club read as the large themes and subtle commentary demand to be unpacked.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Chronic illness