Klara and the Sun Book review | A Thought-Provoking Science Fiction

What is Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro about?

Klara and the Sun is a thought provoking science fiction exploring artificial intelligence, love, friendship, and what it truly means to be a human.

Discover our Review and Summary of Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

In a world where technology is advancing and AI is becoming part of everyday life, is it possible to find the meaning of love in such a society?

Klara is an AF (Artificial Friend) living in a store that selling AFs. She has outstanding observational abilities, noticing intricate details that influence significant events. The manager has a soft spot for her as she recognises these qualities in Klara. One day, it is Klara’s turn to sit in the advertising window, a girl by the name of Josie chooses her, promising they will meet again soon.

After Klara undergoes questioning and qualification, overcoming obstacle after obstacle, she finally arrives at Josie’s house. There, she learns about Josie’s illness, and begins to understand Josie, as well as her social survival gears in her brain. She also is introduced to Josie’s best friend, Rick, and notices that their love is developing into a deep friendship.

Klara learns what it means to have a life and to truly live, everything begins to come together. As Josie’s illness takes a plunge, Klara must think on her feet and find a solution before it’s too late. She fears she may lose the girl who gave her purpose.

Can Klara find a cure in time?

My favourite part is in the beginning days of Klara’s stay at Josie’s house, when the days are jovial and Klara is experiencing things, she has never seen before. I like this part because it reminds us that, although AFs are programmed to know everything, Klara experiences the world like a child seeing things for the first time, beyond computers and technology.

My favourite character is Klara because she is unlike other AFs. She has emotions and can understand Josie’s pain. Whether she wasn’t programmed correctly or somehow developed these abilities herself, Klara helps Josie understand the world while learning alongside her.

Is Klara and the Sun Worth Reading?

Overall, this book is so meaningful, thought-provoking and fascinating. Set in a dystopian society, where AI and genetic enhancements have taken over, it explores how important it is to find love and empathy in an evolving world that is changing at such a rapid pace.

Klara and the Sun is a read you should take your time with because there is so much to reflect on while reading it. One thing I would say is that the book contains some mild inappropriate language, so be aware of this before starting.

Kazuo Ishiguro deserves a round of applause for writing such a thought – provoking book. I give this book a 5/5, I recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful and unforgettable read.