Klara and the Sun [Hardcover] & Never Let Me Go By Kazuo Ishiguro 2 Books Collection Set

Klara and sun goid read book club choice . Will read other very soon

Totally absorbing story by a wonderful writer. One of the best novels about sacrifice and devotion I gave ever read.

I received a free copy for an honest review as a member of the bookclub #novelideas. To be honest, I would not normally have picked up this book (I am not drawn to science fiction) but I am so glad I have read it. This was such an engaging and thought-provoking read. I was immediately captivated by the mystery of the world Klara inhabits. She also knows very little so is intrigued to learn of the world and people outside the shop. As she catches glimpses and builds her understanding of the outside world, so does the reader.The novel is set in the not too distant future. I felt that this was not quite a dystopian novel but that area in between where the world is changing and there is a feeling of discontent between different communities but there is yet to be a huge revolution or rebellion that is often the basis of a dystopian novel. As such, I read this almost as a cautionary tale. With advances in science and technology, we have ethical decisions to make of not what we can do but what we should do. The irony throughout this novel was that with increased scientific and technological advances, the humans became less ‘human’ and the AIs became more ‘human’ (if we are to consider the essence humanity to be empathy, love, loyalty, kindness, compassion and benevolence.) However, only Klara seemed to consistently apply loyalty and altruism to her decisions. Whereas, the humans made narcissistic decisions based on personal advantages in society, and how their own needs could be met. (I can’t say much more than this without giving away too much but read the book then come back to this review and ask yourself: Are people replaceable?)Klara had an almost childlike innocence and naivety which, although endearing as a first person narrator, was at odds to what I expected from an AF (Artificial Friend). Perhaps because she was the first person narrator, as a reader it was almost impossible not to see her as human which made it upsetting to see her treated in disrespectful ways. Maybe Ishiguro is using this to hold a mirror up to society and how we treat (read discriminate against) others we see as lesser in some ways, whether it be age, race, class, gender etc. There was certainly a feeling throughout of holding a mirror up to society and humans. For example, pollution was a factor throughout the novel with only Klara (who is solar dependant) seeing pollution as an issue. It felt like future society is placing more importance on genetic engineering and advances in wealth and power than environmental issues – perhaps suggesting that humans will never change!The title of the book is ‘Klara and the Sun’ and the sun does have a major part to play throughout the novel. Klara is keenly aware from the beginning that she needs the sun to survive, however, she also attributes to it a mystical god-like power and conscience. There was a strong allegorical feel throughout the novel which made an interesting read, and while I thoroughly enjoyed reading the novel, I have also really enjoyed the period of reflection after finishing the novel. I normally move straight on to my next novel once I am finished a book, but I find I am in some ways still digesting and processing this novel long after the actual reading part. I am excited to discuss this in our next bookclub as it raises so many interesting aspects of humanity, society, religion, science, technology, pollution and environment.My only criticism is that there was just too much left unanswered. I started to suspect this whilst reading part 5 of 6 and realising that there was no way all of my questions would be answered by the end. Perhaps some aspects such as how the GE had gone the way it had in what seemed like a short period of time (the mother had said that her generation had had normal schooling and socialisation), why home school at all? It wasn’t just Josie and her ill health which confined her to home learning. I would have liked to have known more about the father and his community. Melania was underdeveloped and her rationale for moving to a community in California not explained. There was also an allegiance about to be formed between Klara and Melania at the end of part 3 which was never mentioned again. Perhaps if there had been fewer characters there would have been more opportunity to develop some of these ideas which seemed more relevant to the central themes than the Miss Helen and Vance subplot. Perhaps I am missing something here but I just found them a distraction rather than integral to the plot and themes.Reading other people’s reviews, my next ‘want to read’ will be Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go. Seems I do like science fiction after all!

Fabulous, quick response from seller. Packaged really well and very pleased with order. Highly recommended 👌

Loved both of these, couldn’t put them down