Klara and the Sun

Kazuo Ishiguro sets Klara and the Sun in a dystopian future when some children are genetically engineered for enhanced academic ability. On-screen tutors provide educations. Society limits socialization so parents who can afford it often buy their children androids as companions. Klara, one such android companion, is the narrator of the book.

A teenage girl named Josie picks out Klara and has her mother purchase her. Josie suffers from an unspecified illness, and her mother hopes that Klara will provide her with companionship and emotional support. Klara's narrative unfolds through her unique perspective as an AI entity trying to understand and navigate the complexities of human emotions and desires.

As Klara spends time with Josie, she begins to perceive the deep bond between the girl and her mother. She also becomes fascinated by the Sun, which holds a mystical significance for the people in this world. Klara believes that if she can somehow connect with the Sun, she can heal Josie of her illness.

Through Klara's observations, the novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for meaning and connection. It delves into the nature of humanity and the blurring boundaries between artificial intelligence and human consciousness.

As the story progresses, Klara encounters other AFs and interacts with various human characters, each with their desires and hidden motives. She becomes entangled in the complex dynamics of human relationships, witnessing both acts of kindness and cruelty.

The book shares some similar themes with Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go.

**Favorite book of 2021.**