Klara and the Sun

Kazuo Ishiguro

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I know his standing within the literary community, of course. As such, there is an interesting divide in opinion. Some love it, some hate it and question whether critics are swayed by his reputation rather than by the merits of the work. I fall squarely in the supporters camp, finding it a book that enchanted, disturbed, uplifted and saddened me. It has made me want to read his other works: ‘The Remains of the Day’ and ‘Never let me go.’

The protagonist and narrator of this story is Klara, an AF or Artificial Friend. She, along with other AFs and human companions, live in a near-future world. Parts look and sound like a large US city. Other locations suggest the vast, central wheat belts. They are mostly familiar, with suggestions of climate damage and the development of genetic engineering to give advantage to the privileged. If I have a criticism, it is about these technological and environmental components of the story. Unlike most dystopian worlds, these elements are only vaguely described.

We meet Klara in a store where she is hoping to be selected by a human teenager. The manager notes her outstanding observational qualities and her ability to watch and learn the behaviour of others. She is chosen by Josie, a fragile teenager, and it is Josie’s health and relationships that dictate Klara’s role in the story. She operates on solar energy, an aspect of her existence which is vital and God-like. Her need for, and reverence of, the sun explains the title.

Klara’s life with Josie, her mother, her friends pose big questions about love, loss, memory and equality. Klara’s apparent lack of agency is countered by her extraordinary skills. The book’s central theme, I believe, revolves around whether humans are unique and what it means to love and be loved.

Though slow at times, with narration that might jar in it’s simplicity and exactitude, nevertheless, this book is worth the effort.

4 stars