Klara, the protagonist in Klara and the Sun, by Kazuo Ishiguro, is an “Artificial Friend,” a robot more empathetic and perceptive than the humans she serves. Klara’s primary power source is solar, and the Sun assumes the aspect of a deity from her perspective. Klara is chosen from the AF store to be the best friend of a teenage girl named Josie, who is dying from a mysterious disease. Klara develops the desire to save Josie by invoking the special help of the Sun. Other characters include Josie’s mother, Josie’s boyfriend Rick, and his mother, and Mr. Capaldi, who is painting a “portrait” of Josie (that is more than a portrait and has implications for Klara).  

The author (who also wrote The Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go) portrays subtle human interactions through the eyes of Klara, perspective both removed and close, childlike and world-wise. I won’t reveal any more about the plot, but there’s a surreal air to everything, scented with symbolism. As the jacket cover suggests, this novel may be an exploration of what it means to love.

Here’s what the New York Times says: