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Klara and the Sun; Kazuo Ishiguro
Random House Audio - 2021
(Sura Siu - narrator - very good)
Klara is an AF (artificial friend) who shines bright thanks to the sun. She waits in a store until the time a special human will take her home. Klara is an older model, there are fancier AFs with more bells and whistles it seems. Klara is often stuck at the back of the store but, she loves those days she gets moved to the front window so she can enjoy the sun's warmth. Older models like Klara need lots of solar recharging.
A young girl named Josie wants to take Klara home but, Josie's mother needs time to think about it. Eventually Klara does become the AF to lonely Josie who doesn't seem to have any real friends except for neighbor boy Rick. Josie is schooled at home. When Josie grow ill, we are never sure what is wrong with her, her mother grows very concerned as she has already lost one daughter. Klara is determined to comfort Josie and to find a way for her to get better and thrive.
I really enjoyed this thought provoking story and thought Klara, as the narrator worked beautifully. She was such a keen observer and a caring friend to Josie. It was easy to fall in love with this mechanical girl.
The audio was delightful, well except for the numerous times that "Melania HouseKeeper" was spoken -- what was up with that?? Despite this minor annoyance, Klara and the Sun, is a real gem. Just the kind of story I needed. Don't miss it!
Rating - 4.5/5 stars
NOTE: Thanks go to Random House Audio for allowing me access to this download in exchange for my unbiased review.
That sounds like quite the fun one.
ReplyDeleteVery good read; love when that happens.
DeleteI have been meaning to read this book since it came out. It might be time to download the audio. Thanks for the heads up on the Melania Housekeeper.
ReplyDeleteLOL - hope you enjoy it too.
Delete"Melania HouseKeeper"??? I don't know what that is and I don't think I want to know! I loved this book but I read the physical copy. I prefer seeing the words and having time to think about them and digest them to having someone speak them at me.
ReplyDeleteYou probably didn't realize how many times "Melania Housekeeper" appeared it print but, it got a tad overused it seemed on audio.
DeleteInteresting sounding book. Ishiguro writes some intriguing, thoughtful stories, not that I've read many by him. Never Let Me Go was very thought provoking and I have The Buried Giant on my tbr pile.
ReplyDeleteI read a couple previously but this one really was unusual and enjoyable as well.
DeleteI've been wanting to listen to this one... "Melania HouseKeeper" sounds a little strange though, lol.
ReplyDeleteThe audio is the way to go JoAnn. hope you like it.
DeleteHis books are always a little cold and sterile and yet, they draw me in. I liked this one a lot.
ReplyDeleteI loved how keen an observer Klara was - sweet story.
DeleteI've only heard good things about this book, and I really want to read it. Hopefully this summer! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you will love it!
DeleteI was crazy about Klara, too. I enjoyed this book so much...glad you did also.
ReplyDeleteGlad you loved it Deb - sweet duo Josie and Klara.
DeleteMy book group is discussing this in July and while I have family visiting that week, I may try to duck out for an hour so I can attend the meeting. I've heard nothing but rave reviews and am glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI know you like audios and the audio is awesome. I'll be curious to hear what the group thought.
DeleteSounds intriguing! I haven't read his books in a long while. Might pick this up should I feel the mood to read his books at some point.
ReplyDeleteMelody, it really was unusual yet heartwarming at times as well.
DeleteI loved the audio of this as well and thought narrator Sura Sia does a wonderful job. I was won over by Klara and her thoughts of trying to save Josie. I gave this novel of the year in 2021!
ReplyDeleteThe audio was excellent and I was happy I listened. Glad you loved it so much.
DeleteI have seen this book around but was never clear on what it was about and now I have a better sense. What an intriguing idea!
ReplyDeleteNot something I would normally be drawn to but, so many bloggers loved it I wanted to try for myself - excellent.
DeleteOverall, a feel good story and audio is highly recommended too.
ReplyDelete