Klara and the Sun is a Masterpiece, And Here's Why

[@bellasaxelby9444]

spoiler The part where Klara goes on to describe how Ricky and Josie no longer had the same goals, but loved each other regardless, then going on to say they may one day meet again like the Raincoat Man and the Coffee Cup Lady broke my heart. 😭 It was so well written and just that page brought so many different emotions out of me.

[@evanfuccio3784]

Truly gorgeous words. I loved that part soo much!

[@yellowskyyy]

SAMEE I instantly started crying

[@Missmoomin101]

*SPOILER ALERT* The end left me quite desolate. I really felt for Klara but she seemed content, even though we know, as the reader, that she’s essentially been cast aside... I also loved that Ishiguro brought back the Manager. He finished where he began, like a mirrored interaction between the Manager and Klara. The Manager was there for Klara at the beginning and she was there for Klara at the end. At least there was one person that thought of her and sought her out once she was no longer needed.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Beautifully put. Made me think back to the ending with a smile.

[@jm7804]

When she says that she has her place and her memories to review....DEVASTATED! I know it's a message of hope, but I was left with "people are garbage."

[@reader6690]

**SPOILER ALERT** The cast aside part, quite sad I think. Could this be a lesson the author is providing to us? The lesson being: those who sacrificially love others are ultimately, quite often, tossed aside by others? History has recorded many people, motivated by love, trying to be bring peace and harmony to our world, and yet these people were ultimately rejected. How sad.

[@carolej339]

I agreed with everything you said! And yes, there's so many subtleties in this book. I read it through once, and read it through a second time, and there was little bits of information I missed on my first read. I'm definitely going to have to read Ishiguro's other novels. The part that was most notable (and saddening) to me is Klara's optimism and hopefulness was the thing that was least human about her. She wanted to do good for those around her, and assumed everyone else had as good intentions as she did. Humans are, generally speaking, messy, selfish and irrational, which is exactly why Klara could never truly replicate a human/human behaviour. She was too pure and too naive.

[@goofychameleon]

I finished it last night. The ending was really tears-jerking for me and i couldn’t decide what is the real difference between a human and an artificial being.🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jiaxinshi3557]

I think maybe the difference is that human can be selfish while AFs are not. I'm heartbroken that Klara did everything for others and none for herself.

[@farley.gwazda]

One thing I haven't heard discussed about this book is that Ishiguro is, by nature of the fact that the story is told from Klara's perspective, claiming that robots (AF's) are conscious, sentient beings. And this is heightened when he creates a situation where the characters ask themselves whether we have an irreplaceable self. The strange thing about Klara's consciousness (besides the beautifully strange sequences where we see the world segmented into discontinuous boxes through her computer vision system), is that she is completely selfless, altruistic, and patient - without anger or fear, even when exposed to denigration and possible harm. I read in these comments that some feel that Klara is more human than the humans, who have all the usual failings - selfishness, ignorance, jealousy, etc. But saying that those things make us less human is defining humanity as being only the virtuous, which would be missing, well, just about everybody. Klara is innocent and self-sacrificing, and clearly self-aware, but she also only has agency in the context of the mission she has been given by her creators - to serve as an AF to a human child. Even the inexplicable, religious, mystical, or superstitious actions she takes and the nonhuman logic that motivates her, serve this mission. And, when you mention Apollo, it stuck me that her silent sun god is very much not a Greek god, anthropomorphized as they were with human form, passions, and failings. Being that Ishiguro, who is British, was born in Japan, I wonder about the central symbolic role that the sun plays in Japanese religious thought, especially in the supplications she performs, which seem quite similar to the rituals performed in Shinto shrines. One thing that distinguishes this book from science fiction, especially of the harder type, is that at its heart is an inexplicable event - a miracle. Klara, an artificial person, has a connection with the sacred, not only through her relationship with a god whose existence and divine powers are effectively confirmed, but by virtue of the fact that, as Ishiguro writes her, she has a soul.

[@SrunikaKannan]

Beautifully put

[@ybanzen]

i would not call it non-human logic; when i was a child i made same deals with an old bearded man in the sky to bring my parents back, and i in turn was willing to sacrifice whatever it is that was needed to make that happen

[@kallyoliva-whitman3291]

What does it mean that Klara’s only lacking human characteristic is egoism? That she is absolutely altruistic? Are we not human without selfishness? Does that mean it is fine to leave Klara to rot as unoriginal and unimportant in a random field after she served her purpose? Not even recycling her.

[@Cotictimmy]

This is a VERY classy review IMHO. Coming back to this review again, it occurs to me that Chrissie (The Mother) is a HUGE character. She may appear for a long time to be a cold & callous & selfish character but she is really the most lost, most needy, most guilt-ridden, most desperate for love, and most in need of help. She is in turmoil over the loss of one daughter and the certain knowledge she is about to loose her remaining child. Under her sophisticated, mannered exterior, she is trapped in a sort of Hell. In a way Klara's greatest triumph (amongst many) is the redemption of Chrissie by calming her and helping her finally to think clearly again and accept loss. Klara is like a medieval child saint & truth-sayer with miraculous healing powers. Her small acts of kindness are like those described at the end of Middlemarch.

[@Hannahp127]

The way that Ishiguro characterizes Klara with the information revealed to the reader makes it seemingly intentionally difficult to understand the differences between artificially created technologies and what it means to be human. Mind blowing honestly.

[@mikedunn7795]

I hope we never see real AFs,who can be callously cast aside when no longer needed. I was unsure of the ending until a review cleared it up for me.

[@meganmeaney3900]

I never picked up on the spelling differences! Clever indeed.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Isn't it? A small thing but it made me smile.

[@babujai1]

I listened to the audiobook, so I never had a chance to catch it.

[@cathyyyz8933]

I finished reading Klara today and still haunted by the emotions. English is not my first language so I actually loved the 'children-fiction' style of writing (because it's easy for me to read). I definitely agree with everything you said and may rank it as my 3rd favourite because I LOVE the protagonist. I'd love her and respect her 100 times more if she is my AF.

[@pia4215]

Just wanna say how much I enjoyed your review and how you discussed the plot, the themes and the language in the book.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Aw thank you so much! I do remain very proud of this particular review :)

[@theworldaccordingto7631]

Nice review. My first time reading an Ishiguro book and I loved it. Talk about understated and I liked how so much happened 'off stage'. What surprised me was the spiritual aspect and I almost felt like Klara's relationship with the sun was the most honest one.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

How beautifully put, and I agree!

[@Falangemary123]

I just finished it tonight. I feel like I've been floating on words for the past week. It was a really beautiful book . Lots to think about .

[@jeff-onedayatatime.2870]

There's two artists I've "discovered" since the pandemic. The first is Ishiguro. I had not read any of his books before the pandemic stranded me alone in my cottage. (I had seen "Remains of the Day" but instead of classifying it as an Ishiguro adaptation, I considered it one of two great movies w Emma T and Anthony H (the second being "Howard's End").) The second artist "discovered" is Bob Dylan. I knew of him, of course (and always voted "Mr. Tambourine Man" as the greatest song of the generation), but since the pandemic have come to realize a Dylan album (any one of them!) is like an Ishiguro novel (any one of them!). Simply sublime!! :)

[@davidcopson5800]

Better late than never.

[@johnarmstrong3509]

Thanks so much for putting me onto Klara and the Sun. It’s the first Ishiguro I’ve read and was blown away by it. (I basically binge read it in two-three sittings.) I now can’t wait to read his other books, and yet I’m already wondering whether I will like any of them as much as I liked Klara and the Sun. I could tell before I finished five pages that, for me at least, the book was about Klara, and that how I would feel at the end would depend on what happened to her. And how I did feel at the end, when I reached it (Part Six), - I will follow your lead and do my best to avoid spoilers - was how I felt at the end of Yu Miri’s Tokyo Ueno Station.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Yes, that's a very good comparison actually! Ueno Station is one of my favourite Japanese novels. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed Klara do much and I get how you're wondering if his other books could live up to such a good first read. I'd certainly recommend Never Let Me Go after this one. They're thematically similar and both use science fiction in the same way. It's a perfect follow-up to Klara.

[@jordanmarcus]

Remains of the Day is my absolute favorite. Give it a shot after never let me go.

[@adamwan0527]

I just finished this book and though it isn't as emotionally impactful to me as Never Let Me Go and An Artist of The Floating, it made me think about a lot of things about what it means to be human, especially with technology in mind. The book even reminded me of the time I spent near the coast in December 2020, because of Klara's interactions with the Sun. And though her experience ultimately differs from mine, Kazuo somehow painted her thoughts about the Sun in a way that was very close to my own. I don't want to give away much about that darker part of my life, but my questioning things at the time pretty much changed how I viewed the world. Josie's also heavily reminded me of my own, with the one big difference in personality being that Josie's mother is a lot of assertive while mine is silent. I don't have that much to say about the book because of how well the book has written it's ideas, even when left unspoken, though I did wish the book went a little further with it's themes. Still, I'm fine with it the way it is. And it's a real sobering and profound book in a lot of ways. I finally have Sally Rooney's Beautiful World, Where Are You so I'm gonna see what that book has in store for me. I'm sorry I haven't been interacting with the channel much, I haven't had the mental capacity to interact with anyone outside of the people I have to talk to day to day. But either way, I hope things are going well with you over there!

[@alanwindle2620]

Thanks for a wonderful, compelling review of a truly great book. I am almost old enough to be the reviewer's grandfather but very impressed by the fluidity and intelligence on display in the review. More importantly perhaps, I agree this is a beautiful book. I discovered Ishiguro only recently and have been thrilled by the titles I've read so far - Remains of the Day, Buried Giant, Never Let Me Go, and now Klara and the Sun. Perhaps because it is so fresh in my mind, Klara and the Sun is my favorite. One thing I might add to the many great points of this review is that I was fascinated by the genius way that Ishiguro captures the sense of AI as awesome in its capabilities while at the same time having major limitations that distinguish it (so far) from true human consciousness.

[@Juli6SS]

I really loved the scene when Clara had her first dream. It was so sweet how her "mind" created this beautiful dream about homeless man and his dog being saved by the Sun.

[@aurora_occidentalis2248]

This book is so good. I know at some point, not far off now, I will actually cry, from sadness and from beauty. The book itself is an AF, a masterful imitation of life, a book that seems almost as real as real life, yet attenuated and infused with Klara's calmness and innocence. I will watch this video after I have finished the book.

[@pagesinperpetuity]

I finished this book and immediately looked up reviews...I NEEDED to know what other people thought! This is a great video thanks so much for your insights!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@jf8559]

Sounds amazing, Will! Thanks for reviewing. I am really looking forward to reading it! ♥️📚

[@ProjectEnglishII]

Thank you for this excellent synopsis and analysis! I just finished it today and then started bingeing on interviews with K.I. and other's analyses.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

He is such a good interviewee. His Nobel Prize speech is also heartfelt and poignant.

[@erasw2011]

Thanks for this review and recap. My first time reading Ishiguro as well (like many in the comments) and first time watching a video (let alone your video) after a book. But man, this book brought up so much to think about that I had to find what people were thinking of it. Your recap is brilliant and put to words how I felt, thanks for that. Also the other comments add so much to it. Amazing to add another dimension to the experience of a book that way. Thanks for the amazing review and creating such a platform!

[@Phillybookfairy]

So ... I just finished Klara and the Sun on audio and wanted to get someone else's perspective on this story, and I really appreciate your take on the whole story. It was my first time reading this author, and although I agree the story was about love and sacrifice, I also see a commentary about how replaceable we all are. Real and machine are set aside at points and the evil genius that wanted to "do the portrait" made me shiver to the bone. That whole premise was so horrible in my mind. It winds up that the only character I loved in the book was Klara. The end was painful. Ughhh theres so much more id like to discuss but Spoilers!!! lol

[@mariozhivago]

Everybook i read and look for reviews after you keep coming up and I loooove it.

[@Upgradeyourbooks]

As I've been diving into Ishiguro's works lately to prepare for my own little video on The Remains of the Day, I've been making my way through your own excellent videos about the author. I just wanted to let you know that they were so very informative and helpful. Thank you!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

That's very kind of you, thank you! Send me a link when your video is up!

[@Upgradeyourbooks]

@@WillowTalksBooks Here is the link; I just posted the video this morning. I'm miles behind you in terms of presence and production quality. Less than a dozen videos into my journey, but I learned a lot from watching you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3yThJJ_eauhpcU

[@johannaquinones7473]

Wow! I really appreciate how in depth your analysis was. You are awesome!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thank you! I really try :)

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

I really enjoyed this. It was sweet and the character of Klara was so endearing.

[@reader6690]

Excellent review and keen insights! Thank you.

[@jimsbooksreadingandstuff]

I've read it now, it's an amazing story. Thanks for the great review.

[@991marine7]

I just finished read this book and watched your play. Very usefule and interesting story about the book Thank you^^ from Seoul, South Korea.

[@sylviakanel9766]

❤This is my second viewing. The first one made me want to experience this book. The second one, viewed after reading Klara and the Sun, simply kept me company as I processed my own responses to the book. Thank you for the recommendation. Thank you for speaking of hope and love so beautifully. Again, your reviews are works of art with such depth and sensitivity that they stand alone. I almost feel like reading the book is an added bonus to hearing you speak of it.❤

[@madyjules06]

Thank you so very much for this brilliant review!! I just finished reading Klara and The Sun -> what an outstanding piece of literary art. This is the first book I’ve ever read by the esteemed Ishiguro Needless to say, I was hooked from beginning to end (he really knows how to draw the reader in & to take them on a surprising journey) I’m looking forward to reading his other great works Thank you again for this insightful review!

[@michaeleckhardt409]

A British friend recommended “The remains of the day” to me and I was impressed of the language and the development of the story in letting the narrator looking back to his life. A wonderful story telling what to much restraint could do to love. Next I have read the dystopian “Never let me go” The development of the story followed a little the patterns of “The remains of a day” For me it was even more touching and, as a non native speaker, easier to read for its more common English. “Klara and the sun” will be my next Ishiguro novel. So your comments on the book made me really curious. 🇩🇪🇬🇧

[@enearu599]

Did you read Klara and the sun? I was wondering which one you liked more? Klara and the sun or never let me go?

[@enearu599]

I am very new to literature/this kind of books. So maybe you can help me knowing which one is more easier to read?

[@michaeleckhardt409]

Yes I did. It is quite easy to read because it was already planned to be a children’s book, than written as an adults novel. Personally I liked Never Let Me Go better.

[@michaeleckhardt409]

Klara and the Sun is easy to read for non natives.

[@thettproject4534]

Just discovered you because of this video. Great one! Ishiguro is also my favourite! ☺️

[@abdullahabusaleh2580]

What a review! I really like your way breaking down ideas, also I appreciate people who read Ishiguro’s work

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thanks :)

[@jasminefremdehake2354]

Thank you for your profound review .

[@soroorfarahnak4055]

Thank you... I am obsessed with your reviews...Thank you...

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Haha thank you so much for saying so!

[@gandgpolaroid6406]

he's the best, remains of the days is so well written and beautiful, yet tragic and melanconic.

[@Datreallyhurtedmetho]

I'm gonna be honest, I never read books. Not much of the kids my age does. So, when I found out we were studying a few-hundred paged novel, I felt as if it was going to be a real boring experience. Oh, how wrong I was. Just finished the novel and it's like 2am. What a ride it was. I loved the characters, the dialogue, the storytelling, it's honestly upsetting that people of my generation will never take the time to experience things like Klara and The Sun and I may or may not experience anything like it at least for a long time.

[@SuzyYen82]

I am late to the Japanese literature scene and I am now reading "Never let me go" and I am enjoying every minute of it. Excited to read his other books. Love your channel by the way. The way you talk about each book makes me want to get out,get it and read it immediately. 😊

[@TheXxomasteroxx]

I could be wrong but i dont think Kazuo ishiguro is Part of the japanese Literature Scene He is a british writer after all

[@Ali94749]

Im reading Klara and the Sun next! Great to here it lived up to the Hype!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

It certainly did! I was nervous going in but so relieved in the end.

[@leahgehtdichnichtsan1295]

i love Kazou Ishiguoru as a writer too

[@artiesolomon3292]

Thank you for the great review and the emphasis on 2 big themes love and hope.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thank you for watching and enjoying! 💜

[@BJPDesigns]

Kazuo Ishiguro is a favorite author of mine too with Never Let Me Go being one of my absolute top favorite books of all time. I just started listening to Klara and the Sun and like it so much. It’s starting to feel a bit sad, rather melancholy to me but I’m not sure if it’s my imagination or really meant to be. I like the characters too but I don’t find Melania the Housekeeper to be very likable so far. I feel like I know what’s going to happen next. I’m at the part where Klara just came back from a trip to the waterfall with Josie’s mother, but knowing a Ishiguro, it will take a twist. I’m glad I took a break from listening to the story to watch your review. I feel it’s helpful, as I forgot where it takes place and was thinking Japan but glad you said the US, Also I don’t feel you gave away any spoilers. I would love to see Klara and the Sun as a movie too. I would also like to get an actual physical edition of the book but can’t decide on the hardcover or to wait for the paperback. Your edition is gorgeous, it’s a hardcover, right?

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I do agree that it has a melancholy tone to it for sure, and I also had an idea of what was going to happen after the waterfall, too. I said in the video that there are no major twists and that is true but the story does go in some unexpected directions. And my prediction after the waterfall came true completely. I'll be interested to see if yours is the same! Melania is a curious character, a little underdeveloped and one that you kind of forget is there. She could have been a bigger character in my opinion.

[@beeabser]

Melania represents our society’s throw away culture. Think of the story “Velveteen Rabbit.

[@parkerrose3590]

I'm excited to read this book and others by this author! Thank you for this enthusiastic review.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

You're welcome! This would actually make for a lovely place to start reading Ishiguro.

[@saatmohd9482]

good review. thank you. already bought the book, just waiting for the right time to read it

[@Elliot-1006]

Would love to see a more in depth video discussing more of his books! Especially A Pale View of Hills... and all-time favorite of mine. I know you did the ranking, but I mean like a deep dive similar to this video. Ishiguro is also my favorite author!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I would absolutely love to do that! I may do a spoiler video on this book or, as you say, a real deep dive into his works. I also love A Pale View of Hills and the twist ending in that is jaw-dropping. But I'd have to re-read a few of them to sharpen my memory. Glad you'd love to see it, though, and it's in the pipeline!

[@borja3015]

Just finished it today after reading The Remains of the Day. Loved both books, brought so many emotions. Thank you for the review, considering your ranking video I´ll check Never Let Me Go next.

[@FIT2BREAD]

Gonna start it tomorrow. Great review

[@Juli6SS]

I've read only one book of Ishiguro before. The Giant one. Have to say that I've got zero enjoyment out of it, wasn't really for me. But Clara touched me deeply and left a strong impression. Now I definitely want to read Never let me go.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Klara is so far ahead of The Buried Giant. I'm so glad you loved it and I hope you also fall in love with Never Let Me Go 💜

[@Klopp619]

Never Let Me Go is exponentially better than Klara and the Sun.

[@lucindamoore6720]

I liked the book very much, and even more after your review. You noticed things that I didn’t. His writing is not for everyone, but I like the clarity and simplicity of his writing style. Great review! Thank you

[@marthabacker8539]

Read this and reviewed in our book group last night, thanks for more on him.

[@waltzingmatilda9092]

Instantly subscribed! Great summary, review and analysis!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Aw thank you so much!

[@waltzingmatilda9092]

@@WillowTalksBooks my pleasure!

[@Shaegeeksout]

I'm so much more excited to read this one now! If you love stories that explore all the different brackets of love, I would recommend The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton. A beautiful magical realism book that may tear your heart out, but should be read and more talked about.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I've never heard of it! Thank you so much for the recommendation and I'll check it out asap!

[@i.widiastuti8718]

Definitely add this to my to-read list! the physical book itself is very appealing, I really like the color spine and color combos.

[@lexicon50505]

holy cow i didn't realize the British spellings....that is so brilliant!!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I thought it was such a clever touch!

[@susanrayner6418]

Enjoyed your review very much! I loved the book and you helped me understand why.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

That's very kind of you!

[@m.s.m.3916]

Thank you so much! And worry about the spoilers! One can't spoil a wonderful piece of music. Or any real piece of art by the way.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I generally agree, it's all about the experience 💜

[@jordanmarcus]

I also just finished the book last night and Kazuo Ishiguro has done it again. I haven’t stopped thinking about the implications… Will AI become sentient? Will they be capable of such concepts as self sacrifice and unconditional love? Also the paradox of Klara, a robot, as apparently the most spiritual character in the novel has a storm of its own subtext. Alludes to our innate and ancient proclivity to connect with a higher power

[@mabumarnauen7318]

Me sending this video to friends: LOOK HOW BEAUTIFUL THEY PRONOUNCE KLARA AND THE SUN IN THE BEGINNING I CANT

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Haha omg you flatter me 💜

[@mabumarnauen7318]

@@WillowTalksBooks i had this video open in a new tab for like 3 days but didnt have time to watch it and everytime i accidentally clicked on the tab you said "Klara in the sun" and made me smile hahahaha

[@ayanbose4739]

For reading Murakami Haruki....I recommend readers generally to start with Norwegian Wood or with The South of the border West of the sun. For reading Ishiguro....what do you think where to start off ? I really want to explore his contents but don't know where to start from ! Will be glad if you can help me out on that 😊🌼

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Norwegian Wood is a fine choice for readers starting their Murakami journey! For Ishiguro, I think the easiest place to start is The Remains of the Day. It's one of his best (maybe his very best) and also such an accessible and satisfying read. A perfect place to start. Now that I've read Klara and the Sun, I also think it would make a great place to start!

[@ayanbose4739]

@@WillowTalksBooks Thank You for helping me out 😊

[@isabelab6851]

Just finished reading it…before I watched…and I am glad I did. It kept the surprise element

[@Katinkia]

Nice. I'd like to hear your thoughts without worrying about spoilers.

[@ganrimmonim]

Dangerous for me to watch this as I am in the middle of it. Just finished part one, and by just a couple of pages in I could tell I was going to love it albeit potentially find it heart breaking (I already have a bad feeling) but it is so beautifully written.

[@RoxanneM-]

That’s funny. I was looking to see how people knew, as I heard others say before, that this was in the US. I’m from the US, I only thought it was because he mentions one of the characters moved to California, but other than that..., I didn’t notice anything else. 🤣Very clever indeed.

[@robertdavenport6705]

It is not possible to understand 'Klara And The Sun' without remembering Dickens' Claras. Dickens reserved the name 'Clara" for , wanting a better expression , his angels on earth. Not overtly religiously , but, as the name implies , those women who were transparent in their motive , i.e. , they had no motive for their caring and love other than love itself. As we can see through them , we also through them can see. Herbert Pocket's wife was a Clara as was Scrooge's nephews fiancee and , being forgetful, there may be another Clara. This also causes a jarring sensation to see the name spelled with that heavily freighted 'K' , surely the most laden with evil or discord capital in late nineteenth and twentieth century culture . And for me personally , my wife was a 'Clara' , and though fondness may impair vision , I witnessed the mature life of a woman who, as a professional nurse and as a human being , showed a greatness of soul , empathy and , well , goodness , informed by a profound and functioning intelligence , and was truly a Dickensian 'Clara" . Clara died at only 49 years and at her funeral a friend of hers ( whose life Clara essentially saved by a thoughtful but gentle intervention ) asked of a co-worker and dear friend of Clara's -" Celia , what was it about her?". "Why ,my dear, she was an angel ." Sorry for the personal digression ,but understanding what that name meant to Dickens - a practical love , or love in practise - greatly enriches the the understanding of the presentation of Ishiguro's Klara.

[@SashaAdilla]

I just found your channel & omg it’s gold! Pls do videos on the manga / anime that you’re following and 1Q84 as well! Keep up the passionate work!

[@jeff-onedayatatime.2870]

Just finished the book. I've read all but two of his novels. ** My first favorite philosophy book was Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein. Oh, that's science fiction? Yes, but more of a philosophy book. Ditto Asimov's Foundation series. (Did anybody else compare Trump with "the Mule"?) ** I never once thought, while reading Klara that it was "science fiction". With Ishiguro, (or any author, e.g. David Mitchell) you don't need to classify them, unless, as Ishiguro said in a recent interview, you are a bookseller. ** I wept many times during Klara, but especially at the end of Part 5. And Part 6 is perhaps the finest epilogue ever written.

[@jeff-onedayatatime.2870]

And hiding this in the replies. SPOILER ALERT! I'm sure others noticed Klara is a Christ/Harry P figure, who gave it's life for it's friends.

[@carly885]

Last month I read The Wind up bird chronicle and after having my brain a bit frazzled, I really appreciated how much Ishiguro can write in such an impactful simple way 😊 I loved never let me go when I read it too, I'm excited to read the remains of the day next

[@FIT2BREAD]

Wow I just finished it. I commented here earlier before I read it and I was excited for it. The novel was not boring but it was very underwhelming. I dont want to review it negatively and am browsing around to see why people who enjoyed it enjoyed it and trying to understand why folks were not as disappointed in it as I was.

[@beeabser]

Ishiguro writes at a special pace, where every word and sentence informs the story. I have many friends who like faster reads. I suggest you slow your reading pace and reread Klara. This book is a masterpiece! I also wish I could discuss “spoilers”.

[@FIT2BREAD]

@@beeabser yeah, I'm a pretty slow reader. I think maybe its just that the theme is similar to other things I've read, especially the thouggt peice "what does it mean to be human." For me, this didn't compare favorably. I won't judge his whole cstalogue by this, but I do get that different people have different tastes

[@jeff-onedayatatime.2870]

Nice point Bao, about the setting. I assumed London most of the way through the book, until it became clear (Melania Housekeeper) that it was set in the USA.

[@syurjevic]

You haven’t read “When we were orphans”… I would love to get your take on that. I think about that book at least two times a week and I read it ten years ago.

[@HortensyaM]

OK question : several times Klara talks about "boxes" that appear in her vision, like she desceibes the world in boxes. Is it because as a robot she sees the world through a grid ? A 3D grid ?

[@blackanne]

I read it recently, but in translation, so it was really cool to learn about the original vocabulary! I may reread it in English one day. I wish I could learn your take on the ending.

[@bork9882]

I really enjoyed this review. can’t wait to read this book. ☺️

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thanks! I hope you enjoy it whenever you get to it!

[@jimsbooksreadingandstuff]

A solar powered artificial friend sounds an intriguing read...

[@rezkykyamel]

While watch this video I tracking my shipping book

[@Juli6SS]

How interesting! I had no idea about different spellings because I've read the book in Russian. I figured that it was set In the US because they've mentioned Europe and England as not "here", but that's all.

[@janethansen9612]

There were some darker aspects which took me a while to recognise but were slightly shocking. Overall though, as you say, hope is what prevails.

[@PersonallyOptimistic]

The slight spoiler of a pale view of hills was quite frustrating considering I am currently reading it! Nice review regardless, however.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Some people are very sensitive to even the slightest hint of a spoiler. There's something creepy about that to me.

[@Erin-ho8qu]

I think he said in an interview that he was inspired by children's books which makes sense

[@wackytortoise]

Can you do a review for books about cat ? Like the travelling cats chronicle and If all the cats disappeared. I really want to buy it and I really like the way you review. If you have read it :]

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I actually have that video all planned out! There is a new Japanese cat novel out this month so stay tuned for my video :)

[@wackytortoise]

@@WillowTalksBooks oh my, can't wait ! I'll be sure to stay tuned :D

[@uptightfreespirit4496]

Ah, this sounds both compelling and refreshing. I've read 19 very dark books so far this year, which have left me feeling rather heavy when coupled with the pandemic. I just finished The Remains of the Day ("loved it" is entirely inadequate to describe how I felt about it!) and am trying to decide which Ishiguro book to read next! Never Let Me Go sounded a little dark, so maybe this one is it!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Never Let Me Go is definitely a tough sell right now! I actually think this is a better choice. Although, without spoiling anything specific, illness is a big part of the story so maybe not? The Buried Giant is a very lightweight and enjoyable story so maybe that? I'm actually thinking about reading it again soon.

[@uptightfreespirit4496]

@@WillowTalksBooks thank you!!

[@mitshelke9176]

I was planning to read this for a while now. I have been a fan of his since A Pale View of Hills. I thought the plot was a little like the movie 'Her' (because company for lonely people and AI)

[@WillowTalksBooks]

That movie did enter my head a few times while reading it (though I saw it on a plane and don't remember it that well).

[@PaloukaMan]

I am currently reading this book , so I stopped @ 6:28 I have to read it ! Thanks you are brilliant ㊗️

[@RoxanneM-]

He does mentions once though what “lifted” means in an indirect way, but I would hate to spoil the mystery for someone else reading this. It’s a modern scientific procedure... gosh, I wished I could ask him this! I’m so sure though.

[@craigmiddleton6430]

Insightful review.

[@barbaraboethling596]

Thanks for your wonderful review. I just finished the book also, and can't get it out of my mind. Yes, love plays a integral role in the story, but what really stood out to me was the vivid contrast between Klara's goodness and naivete, and the supposed superiority of the gene edited individuals. Very thought provoking!. Loved the book!

[@sylviakanel9766]

I am so looking forward to this, Willow! Can hardly wait to obtain and start it. I've looked long and hard for reviewers who can point me to truly meaningful books and have found so few whose idea of meaningful is something I really want to give my time to. In the week or so since I started listening to you my problem has become, "Where do I start?" when it comes to following your advice!❤

[@myfreakyvalentine]

Aren't any major twists? How about the mother's plan for Klara? I would consider the reveal of that to be a very major twist.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Babe this is an old video, idk what you’re on about

[@Cotictimmy]

I just LOVE this novel. Truly Beautiful writing! On a par with Donna Tartt's 'The Secret History'.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I only just read The Secret History and I have to agree. Should've read that book years ago but it is such a delicious treat. So compelling.

[@jefflashway6644]

Masterpiece, indeed!

[@Abuamina001]

You should read "Hadji Murad" by Leo Tolstoy and "Death and the Dervish" by Mese Selimovic.

[@ins4nutty341]

I just finished reading the book and The ending made me so sad 🥹

[@ins4nutty341]

Dude do u have goodreads?

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Not a dude anymore but no, I don’t. I’ve been thinking about getting one again though :)

[@El_Rebelde_]

I just finished the book, but Im not gonna lie I'm not really a fan. I haven't read any of his other works, but if his other works are similar in the writing style I can't say I'm interested in reading more of his works. Still worth reading though.

[@sass_000]

What are the theories that you can associate with this book? Futurism?

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Not sure I'm smart enough for that lol but I'd love your insight!

[@PathosConsultingGroup]

Hey just finished this today. There’s one element of the book that I’m not sure I understood. Do you have a theory on the bull? It must be important because it’s mentioned numerous times after Klara sees it

[@PathosConsultingGroup]

also did you notice that scene where the cruel, lifted kids are testing Klara is similar to that scene where the nobles are testing Stevens with impossible questions? Except this time, Rick is there to save her. I found that so unbelievably satisfying

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I was equally stumped by the bull, actually. It was a very deliberate metaphor but I'm not sure what for. I really don't have an answer. Maybe after a second reading. I actually forgot that scene in Remains and I have been itching to read it again, but I did find the scene in Klara incredibly stressful (and then cathartic).

[@PathosConsultingGroup]

Books and Bao It might be a stand in for some visceral cruelty that Klara perceives in the world that is then echoed in characters like Vance. One thing that occurred to me at the end is that the title is a play on words- the sun is a symbol of love that, in a twist of magical realism, saves Josie, but it’s also the love of the son (Rick) when he absolves the mother at the end.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Those are both excellent observations. I'm not sure if the play on words is intentional but I like it either way!

[@PathosConsultingGroup]

Books and Bao I think it is. That play on words is one of most famous in the western canon. It opens Richard III. Ishiguro definitely considered it given that it’s the title. The timing of Josie’s recovery is at the exact moment the sun comes out and when Rick makes that powerful act of love and forgiveness. The two moments are intertwined. I’ve taught a number of his books. I’m almost positive i’ve got this one right. But you’re right- he leaves things a bit vague purposefully so who knows :)

[@marinellamaccagni6951]

After having read klara and the sun, is still the remains of the day your favourite ishiguro's novel?

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Yeah but I’d probably put this in third place now, after An Artist of the Floating World

[@marinellamaccagni6951]

@@WillowTalksBooks ,thanks for your answer!

[@Phillybookfairy]

anddd I wonder if the author wanted Klara to be the truly only likeable character in the story and what THAT in and of itself is saying about the "nature" of being human. The humans all sucked. Only the robot had true humanity. Ironic.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I love and agree with your points completely. Klara is a pure and lovable character. The reasons why, in themselves, are fascinating. Thanks for your awesome insight!

[@Phillybookfairy]

@@WillowTalksBooks Thanks! Do you have an instagram? id like to follow you there - mine is Phillybookfairy.

[@beeabser]

Rick and the father are not only likeable characters, but represent “normal” people in a potentially dystopian world. Klara is innocent, where the Rick and father are worldly wise. You forget how both helped and respected Klara; Rick from danger at the hands of Josie’s “friends”, and father in helping her against climate change,

[@Phillybookfairy]

@@beeabser well yes but Rick and father both had issues they were not "likeable" to me because their other sides stood out more to me personally but good points to remember they were not totally unlikeable or unredeemable...

[@aurora_occidentalis2248]

An intelligent and insightful review of a beautiful and haunting novel. Seeing a world through Klara's eyes for a couple of weeks was a real experience. I spent a happy hour on the porch of a beach cottage wearIng my fav reading sunglasses and sipping a craft beer under lavender mandevilla reading part 1.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

That sounds more than idyllic!