I have no idea why this book is so highly rated. I wonder if it would have the same reviews if Ishiguro's name wasn't slapped across the cover in huge font.

There are several themes and aspects that I thought were interesting and deserved more attention and development. E.g. AF (artificial friend) and artificial intelligence, individual and societal ethics of genetically 'lifting' humans, and pollution and the climate crisis. Really, I just wanted more world building. Like, why do AFs even exist? Though the book is told from Klara's (AF) relatively restricted point of view, it is possible to introduce these concepts. When it was done, it was poorly executed and slowly introduced. The result was that up until around 86% of the way through the book, I didn't have a grasp on even the vaguest important aspects of the 'dystopia' the story is set in.

The story is character focused rather than plot. What storyline that does exist, is dragged out for most of the book then wrapped up too quickly to be satisfying. I did enjoy becoming familiar with Klara. I think her characterisation as an artificial intelligence was well done, highlighting both her strengths and deficiencies. I did feel for her throughout, framed as an object/robot/servant in relation to humans. Though I don't think the moral status of 'being' or 'consciousness' was sufficiently explored. Klara's relationship with the Sun is clearly representative of superstition and religion, but I don't think the author adds any meaningful insight to these topics. The story telling and relationships towards Klara gave me more 'Toy Story' vibes than 'I-Robot' or 'AI'.