The fact that she acknowledges Josie’s behavior, the fact that it hurts her and, in spite of that, she continues to remain loyal to Josie and prays for her to her god, the Sun, all these things make me believe she actually feels love. It is all the more sad when we see how Klara views the process, though it pains her, as normal, as a part of Josie growing up. We see everything through Klara’s eyes, so we understand when she becomes aware Josie doesn’t value her in the same way or when Josie forgets all about her as soon as she doesn’t need her. And this part made me extremely emotional. She values her human friends more, even though she is always quite attentive to Klara’s needs. She, on the other hand, is aware Klara is an artificial friend. Klara is built to be the perfect companion and strongly bonds with Josie. Their journey together starts at the store. Through Klara’s eyes, we also see Josie, her adoptive human, whom she considers a friend. And, for me, that made her endearing and relatable. She even gets to argue, plead and negotiate with her god, the Sun, just like humans currently do.

In a way, I completely understood her in this regard, but, on the other hand, I would have expected her to react differently – more intelligently, given she has access to a world of information. Mythology is full of gods embodying the Sun, the Moon, Earth, Water and anything else out of human control. Basically, I see her as one of the earliest humans, who, based on direct observation, extrapolate, speculate and worship natural elements. This is one of the most natural things and I loved the way her faith is explored. Klara worships the Sun, as it powers her batteries.

However, the main theme in this novel is Faith. That is why, I think, this novel is so important: it explores human insecurity in face of technological development, mortality, obsolescence, loneliness and genetic enhancements. The questions and situations in this book should be discussed and acknowledged as issues before AI is mass produced.

The story explores so many difficult themes, extremely relevant in today’s world, which, in reality is not so distant from the future Kazuo Ishiguro proposes.

Klara and the sun book review