Ahoy there me mateys! I listened to this tale via audiobook and have to say that I immensely enjoyed it. This is the story of a robot i.e. “AF” named Klara and her interactions with the world. Ye meet Klara in the store where she is being sold, celebrate with her when she finally is bought, and watch and listen to her observations as the years pass. While the book starts out hopeful, there is a disconcerting thread throughout that only gets stronger as the book progresses.

I particularly loved the set up in this one. I loved Klara’s thoughts on the world outside the store, her interactions with the other AFs, and her relationship with the store manager. There was something poetic and endearing about Klara’s thoughts and opinions especially when she is wrong. I wish there would have been more about her and other AFs in the book overall.

The humans in the book generally left a lot to be desired. I did like the character of Rick but mostly felt the others to be misguided, thoughtless, and creepy. The character of Josie is supposed to be sympathetic but I never really felt attached to her and mostly felt she was selfish and spoiled. I also certainly didn’t like this version of our potential future. The reveal in the middle of the book was also very icky but fascinating.

The other area I really loved was how the sun was represented in Klara’s thoughts and imagery throughout the book. It was a powerful symbol in both how it was used and misused. Delightful and horrifying but always interesting. I am so glad I read this one. Arrr!