Klara and the Sun

In Klara and the Sun Kazuo Ishiguro has produced a novel investigating a future dystopian world where robots known as AFs (artificial friends) are created to become friends of children and young people. We meet Klara in a store where AFs  are available to be sold to families requiring them. The robots are moved to various locations within the store, however the window is the prime location. It is when Klara and Rosa have their turn in the window that Klara first encounters Josie, a young girl who seems attracted to this robot. Eventually Josie persuades her mother to purchase Klara to be her special AF.

Klara soon learns that Josie is unwell but she is diligent in looking after her young charge. For much of the time Josie is dedicated to her AF but at times she is in a mood and ignores her. Klara, however, remains faithful and endeavours to take care of Josie.

We learn that Josie has been lifted (genetically modified) when younger so that she can achieve at college and in life in general. Unfortunately being lifted has resulted in the illness she now suffers. Her special friend, Rick, has not been lifted and is shunned by the guests at a party at Josie's house. Klara carefully watches what is occurring in the house and is surprised at how Josie's attitude can change in different situations.

Before Klara went to live with Josie she had observed how the Sun had healed a beggar and his dog when they appeared to be dead. Klara, with Rick's help plus the assistance of Josie's father, is determined to persuade the Sun to help her friend.

The novel looks at a variety of relationships including how people can behave in times of crises. It also takes us into another world where robots have become part of the life of some families but gradually become feared by a large part of the general community. Through Rick's story we also learn about the acceptance of the gifts we have rather than trying to be something we aren't.

Klara and the Sun is the book read by the Monash Alumni Book Club in August.