Klara and the sun

Locations
Call Number: Science Fiction / Ishiguro, Kazuo, Adult Book / Fiction / Science Fiction / General / Ishiguro, Kazuo
On Shelf At: Downtown Library, Traverwood Branch

Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, is designed to be a playmate for real children. From her place in the store she watches the behavior of those who come in to browse, and those who pass on the street outside. In conversations with the other AI and the Manager, she remains hopeful she will be chosen. When a possibility emerges that her circumstances may change forever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans. -- adapted from jacket and perusal of book

REVIEWS & SUMMARIES

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

Slow meditation submitted by mowjac on June 22, 2021, 9:01am I am a long time science fiction fan, so I was curious what a literary giant's version of that would look like. Ishiguro is more interested in the effects of science and the way we use science to try to address--or circumvent--human problems. The plot is pure Jodi Picoult, but coming from Klara's viewpoint gives us a much more sympathetic view of everyone. I'm not sold as Klara as an AI construct; she's too placid, but it's an interesting contemplation of the human condition.

Of course, it is good submitted by kath on July 17, 2021, 5:11pm Ishiguro is a great writer. Everything he writes is pretty good. This books has many of the same themes as Never Let Me Go - but modernized to address technology and AI. But still questions who is human and what is love. The story, in a low-key way, is disturbing and haunting.

Excellent book, haunting, disturbing, and very beautiful submitted by 21621031390949 on June 10, 2022, 9:08pm Another excellent book by Ishiguro. A masterful writer, his character studies are remarkable and real - even his robots. A little disturbing, haunting, and very beautiful.

Another great story from a great author submitted by cstark98 on June 30, 2022, 5:23pm If you have read anything by Ishiguro, you will not be disappointed. I enjoyed this story from beginning to end.

Should have been groundbreaking, ultimately flopped submitted by clk.9123 on August 21, 2022, 4:52pm So much potential to be truly interesting but there was nothing groundbreaking. This could have easily taken some sharp, dark turns, and been all the more better for it. The author had a few intriguing moments but ultimately took them nowhere, and the end felt like a lazy disservice to the life of Klara and to Josie. I see that some things are for interpretation, but it wasn’t a “twist” in the way the author maybe meant it. So sad this didn’t turn out as expected because the idea of the AI narrator is SO interesting. If you’re a fan of work like this such as Westworld or Ex Machina, this will not live up.

Soft and Smooth submitted by redmansf on August 2, 2023, 12:15am In an interesting twist of juxtaposition, prepare to feel haunted - and relaxed. This examination of what it is to be will be extra fun if you enjoy thinking about psychology and the effects of technology.