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Klara and the Sun

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Kazuo Ishiguro

Klara and the Sun

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

307

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Near-future America

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, Klara, an android designed to provide companionship for children, is purchased by Chrissy for her daughter Josie, who is suffering from a mysterious illness linked to genetic engineering. Klara becomes involved in the family's life, learning about love, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships as she attempts to help Josie.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Mysterious

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.0

416,298 ratings

64%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun intricately explores artificial intelligence and human emotions through the perspective of Klara, an AI. Positive reviews highlight the compelling, empathetic narrative and Ishiguro's masterful storytelling. However, some critics find the pacing slow and the world-building sparse. Overall, it is praised for its thought-provoking themes.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Klara and the Sun?

A reader who would enjoy Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro is likely captivated by speculative fiction that explores human relationships and artificial intelligence. Fans of Never Let Me Go by Ishiguro or Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick will appreciate its thought-provoking narrative and moral complexities.

4.0

416,298 ratings

64%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Klara

Klara is the narrator and protagonist of *Klara and the Sun*. She is an empathetic and observant Artificial Friend (AF), designed to prevent her owner, Josie, from feeling lonely. Though perceptive about human emotions, she struggles with understanding the physical world and possesses gaps in her scientific knowledge.

Josie is a kind, mature, and insightful girl who suffers from an illness that limits her activities. She has a close bond with Klara, who is dedicated to her well-being, and she is loved by her family and friends, including her best friend, Rick.

Chrissy is Josie’s mother, characterized by her complex and contradictory nature. She is devoted to Josie but struggles with guilt and regret over past choices related to her daughter's health. Despite her flaws, she loves Josie deeply and plays a significant role in Josie's life and Klara’s narrative.

Rick, Josie's best friend, lives nearby and has known her since childhood. Unlike Josie, he was not "lifted," and he worries about the impact of genetic editing. He is caring, intelligent, and supportive, despite his initial skepticism towards Klara.

Helen is Rick's mother, an Englishwoman with a theater background. She is determined and strategic in her efforts to secure a better future for Rick, showcasing her love and ambition for her son.

Paul, Josie's father, is a talented engineer who lost his job and now resides within a community of displaced professionals. He is dedicated to his daughter Josie, going to lengths to support and protect her.

Mr. Capaldi is the antagonist of *Klara and the Sun*, representing the cold, scientific mindset that embraces genetic editing and other controversial technological advancements. He attempts to persuade others of the harmlessness of his projects while embodying a lack of humanity and faith.

Book Details
Pages

307

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Near-future America

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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