“Our generation still carry the old feelings. A part of us refuses to let go. The part that wants to keep believing there’s something unreachable inside each of us. Something that’s unique and won’t transfer. But there’s nothing like that, we know that now. You know that. For people our age it’s a hard one to let go.”

There was so much in this book and it feels impossible to write about without giving anything away. This is my fourth novel by this author and I always walk away awestruck. He has such a way of creating a world that keeps you coming back for more, despite storylines and plots that seem to move rather slowly. Every time I try to write about one of his books, the word “undercurrent” always pops up – there’s an undercurrent pulling me along, a need to understand what’s happening in his world.

In Klara and the Sun, the premise is simple. Klara is an AF, an artificial friend, chosen by Josie Arthur. Josie is a teenager and is suffering from an unexplained illness and Klara provides company and practical help around the house. In this world, some parents choose to have their children “lifted,” which we vaguely come to understand as the novel goes on. “Lifted” children are seen to have a distinct advantage over children who aren’t lifted and one of Josie’s best friends is unlifted, which causes a great amount of tension.

I finished this book with so many questions and so many thoughts – I’d be happy to share a snapshot from my new reading journal via email with anyone who is interested. But bottom line for me: there are so many ways to live a happy and fulfilling life. We go out of our way thinking we and our children should jump through so many hoops to take advantage of every opportunity for “success,” but we’re not thinking about how many paths there are to happiness. I’m already looking forward to Ishiguro’s next book!