Review by hello_lovely13 - Klara and the Sun

hello_lovely13 's review for:

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

3.75

emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

While I was reading this, I was completely absorbed, but in between my reading sessions, I never felt the need to pick it up. This does a wonderful job having such an observant and optimistic (sometimes seeming to the point of foolishness) narrator through Klara. The world slowly unveils itself to the reader that keeps the intrigue present, but subtly enough that it doesn't distract from the reflections and observations made by Klara through the knowledge she currently has. Also, it allows for plenty of insight to be gained upon a reread. However, it does set up plenty of other issues in the world, such as politics and things surrounding how Josie's dad is living, that are never fully explained or explored due to the focus being on the one family (I would have loved more clarification on what exactly

a "lifted" and "unlifted" child is (I know it might have something to do with genetic mutations, which makes the lifted child sick, but I am not fully sure)

). Also, the big reveal regarding Josie's portrait was WILD.

The synopsis says that it raises question of what it means to love, and it does address that very well (I liked the message the book ended with: love from others determines the unique quality in an individual), but the theme that personally stood out to me is the discussion around loneliness, particularly how it can encourage both cruelty and kindness.

Midway through the book, Klara sets herself a mission, and while it was pursued I kept waiting for everything to crash and burn, but I was pleasantly surprised that a different route was chosen as a resolution. I was VERY surprised that

Josie didn't end up dying

. I really liked the relationship between Rick and Josie, as well as each of their individual relationships with Klara. A variety of topics were raised and discussed in an interesting way (from classism and societal norms and expectations to loneliness, cruelty, and kindness). I would definitely recommend this, and I would be interested to see what else I would notice upon a reread.

Content Warnings