With The Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go being amongst my favourite books, expectations were high to Ishiguro’s new novel, Klara and The Sun. It didn’t hurt either, that the narrator was an AI entity. Some people may start to tire of AI in the literature, but as we are moving towards increasingly sophisticated AI in real life, discussing the many moral issues – besides from the whole “taking over the world” dilemma – becomes more pressing. So I am afraid we will continue to hear about AI, in real life as well as in the literature.
The novel started out well. We first meet Klara, an Artificial Friend, in the AI shop where she lives, whilst waiting to be bought by a family. Eventually, she is taken home by the teenager Josie and her mother. I enjoyed seeing things from Klara’s point of view. Observing humans through the eyes of an outsider is hardly a new trope, but Klara was cleverly and realistically written. Without a human upbringing, she doesn’t interpret everything correctly, but she deciphers our human behaviour with a sharp eye and draws her own conclusions.
Still, Klara and the Sun, didn’t quite satisfy.
The before mentioned Ishiguro novels have become favourites because of the emotional effect they had on me. The melancholic mood, the poignant atmosphere, the heart-breaking conclusion. Even if certain themes from Never Let Me Go were taken up again in Klara and the Sun, the latter appealed to the intellect rather than to the heart. Except for one excessively sad scene, which still stands clear in my mind.
Furthermore, a strange supernatural story arc felt pointless and even misplaced considering the general tone of the novel. But my biggest issue was the story failing to come together. There were lots of ideas though, some of which are listed below.
What constitutes a human being? Will we one day with the progression of AI be able to replicate all the components of a person? Or Is there such a thing as a soul? Different views are discussed in Klara and the Sun, with an alternative answer offered by the AI herself.
The rights of an AI: As AIs become more like humans, can they develop feelings? A conscience? And if yes, shouldn’t we have some guidelines to prevent them from being treated like your average consumer goods?
Loneliness: Are our actions mainly driven by the fear of loneliness?
Class society: Will the possibilities of very advanced technology increase the divide between rich and poor even more, because only the privileged people have access to this technology, which enhances their privileges even more?
Trade-off between well-being and success: Just because we have access to certain technologies, which may potentially give us an advantage in life should we always use them no matter the consequences?
Fear of technology: Having spent decades and tons of money developing true AI, unsurprisingly people wake up one day and feel uncomfortable about having very little clue what goes on in their “brains”.
Individual ideas are like colours on the painter’s palette. Bright and full of potential they are sitting there. However, it’s when the painter creates something unique with these colours, when they blend together to form a holistic master piece, that the individual colours (or ideas) fulfil their true potential. And in this case, they just didn’t blend together, but remained pristine colours on a palette. Especially, in the last half, it felt like no coherent storyline was connecting or exploring the ideas and I didn’t understand what the author was trying to achieve. Of course, that might be due to ignorance on my part. π
Still, I mostly enjoyed Klara and the Sun, even if it fell short of my expectations. My rating of 3 1/2 stars may be a bit generous though, boosted by my everlasting fascination of artificial intelligence.
Title: Klara and the Sun [2021] Author: Kazuo Ishiguro Format: Audiobook, narrated by Sura Sui Genre: Fiction
I just can’t connect with Ishiguro’s writing, but I like the idea of the AI. Great review! x
Thanks Meggy! π AI really is a fascinating topic and it may not be that long before we actually get to the next level. Scary and exciting at the same time!
I’m afraid this one doesn’t appeal to me much, mostly because I feel Star Trek was covering all this territory decades ago, first with Data the android and then with the hologram Doctor in Voyager. And they did it so well!
I don’t know Star Trek, but I’m sure there are loads of discussions of the AI related topics out there. But it shouldn’t matter, because Ishiguro should be able to add his magic and his poignant take on the human condition and create something new and different. Only, it didn’t work. I did enjoy the concept of an Artificial Friend, though. I spend a lot of time thinking about the future development and some variation of an AF has always been part of the picture. Actually, I think it is unavoidable, if we do reach the stage of true AI.
I find that a horrifying thought. I’m left wondering what is the point of living at all if we go through it preferring our imaginary, programmable friends to dealing with real humans, and solving problems with our own intellects. Might as well just switch off humanity at the mains… set ourselves to auto-destruct.
I doubt they will replace human friends and that doesn’t happen in the story either, even if the question is posed whether they could. They are more like an advanced crossover between an Alexa/servant/companion. To me the disconcerting thing is, if / when we get to the stage where AI is so similar to humans, it’s difficult to distinguish. You can’t reasonably argue that hanging out with them is worse than with “real humans” (unless perhaps if you believe in the so-called “soul”). And you can’t reasonably expect these AIs to act like servants/worker with the sole purpose of serving humans. If they are so similar to us, shouldn’t they have similar rights? And if they don’t serve any purpose anymore besides from their own, what is the point of them? Anyway, this is still pure science fiction, but hopefully this will be thought through properly before we even get close to that scenario.
Hello Stargazer. I was so interested to read your review, having just started this book last week. I, also, am a fan of Ishiguro, and loved the other two books you mention. I couldn’t read Kara and The Sun. I liked the beginning of it, but half way through I asked myself why I was continuing to read so I gave it up. As regards AI, I have no doubt it will all come to pass. I’d love to come back in 500 years to see what we humans have made of our world!
Oh really, you DNFed. The last part wasn’t that interesting, but I kept on reading in the hope of improvement. Yes!! That is what I keep thinking. It would be so amazing to come back and see the development in 500 (or just 100) years from now. Not knowing where it all goes is as frustrating as being prevented from finishing an amazing book. And I am sure it will all be way beyond our imagination! π
Thanks for a very thoughtful review, Stargazerπ Iβve debated adding this one and youβre pushing me towards it than away given the issues considered in the story. I embrace technology but have to admit I havenβt fully explored the ethical and other challenges it presents. Excellent!
Thanks Jonetta. π I am glad, I haven’t pushed you away – I didn’t think it was a bad book at all, but because I love some of Ishiguro’s other books so much, it was definitely a disappointment. The themes in the book were interesting and I’ve always found AI a highly fascinating topic.
I feel quite awkward that I seem to be the only reasonably literate person on the planet who doesn’t get on with Ishiguro at all. Yours was a thoughtful review, but told me that this was not the book that was going to change my mind about his work.
There is no need to feel awkward at all, I’m sure there are lots of readers (literary or not π) who don’t get on with Ishiguro. But seeing that you don’t normally like his writing, I would definitely avoid this one!
I love how you listed some of the themes of the novel. I never quite understood why we want to create an AI who looks like a human and acts like a human and with human feelings to go with it… but the point of loneliness is quite interesting in this respect and with the individualism of the current word, I can see for the first time a reason there to create a realistic companion. We only create these ethical issues ourselves but as always humans don’t know when to stop. Great review, it is already thought provoking, even when I haven’t read it yet.
The point about human feelings is debatable. We don’t know if that will ever be possible even in the distant future. It does sometimes seem absurd that we try so hard to create artificial intelligence, but I think science is like climbing Mount Everest. Why do we do it? Because we can… You do make a very good point though. We are creating all these ethical issues for ourselves, perhaps it would be better not to go that route? But knowing when to stop? I somehow doubt it. Thanks for your thoughts on this, Inge – even if I’m fascinated by AI, I do agree there ought to be a limit for how far we take it.
I know, there will be a point of no return and then theyβll even be surprised. I wonβt be here to witness it though, I think. Youβd think all those movies about crazy robots would make them more cautious about what theyβre doing but no…
Yes exactly, there is a point of no return and due to the nature of AI, it’s difficult to know where that point is. Already today with the most advanced forms of AI, the entities can “train” or “develop” themselves to be become even more intelligent. So who knows where that point of no return is? Haha, I would have thought so as well (I think we discussed Terminator at some point?), but that doesn’t seem to put a break on anyone.
Hi. Iβll skip this one. Sounds as if its plot isnβt coherent enough.
Yes, that is a fair assessment! π
Hey Stargazer. Never Let Me Go still effects me months after reading so I will still try the book. Even echoes of Never may be enough…
I don’t know, it may seem more of a disappointment, because Never Let Me Go affected you so much. However, I don’t mean to put you off and I don’t think it was a bad book, just not on par with Never Let Me Go.
Interesting, but I don’t think I would like this at all. Thanks for the review.
Fair enough! I am sure, it’s not in everyone’s taste. π
This book is on my library holds list so I’ll be reading it next month! A little worried I won’t like it – the concept sounds great, I do love AI themes – but I don’t always get on with his writing style.
It might be better not to have too high expectations to begin with (which I did). There is definitely good stuff in there as well. Unfortunately, I read a relatively big spoiler in a newspaper review, before starting the book – I’m still annoyed about that! So I made sure only to write a bare minimum about the plot. I hope you’ll enjoy it and will look out for your review.
What a shame that a newspaper review had a spoiler! I wish reviewers wouldn’t do that. Well, I’m going to be reading the book in 2 or 3 weeks’ time so let’s see.
Yes, that was pretty annoying. I remember back when I read Never Let Me Go – I knew nothing about it in advance and that was definitely the best way to approach it. Getting a spoiler on that would have made me even more annoyed.
Your opinion is actually quite popular – I’ve read several reviews praising Ishiguro’s ideas, but expressing disappointment in the novel itself. A pity, really – it’s an increasingly more valid topic (especially in Japan, I believe), and there’s a whole lot of interesting SF books about it. In the 50’s Harold Lasswell was already asking if AI, whenever they finally appear, should have human rights π
Well, I am kinda glad to hear that – not that I don’t want other people to enjoy it, but I wondered if I missed something! Yes, I am sure there are much better discussions of AI and ethics out there, but one would have hoped Ishiguro could have worked his magic and combined this discussion with a more emotional take on our human condition. But that didn’t work, not for me anyway.
I really enjoyed Ishiguro’s The Buried Giant, it was such a poetic, melancholy story. But I can see how mood can be more important to him than logic or developing his ideas π
If Ishiguro had managed to create his usual melancholic moods, I could easily have forgiven him for this less coherent plot. But unfortunately, there wasn’t much of that.
Great review! I just finished this one as well and thankfully it worked better for me. Your criticisms are fair though, I can see why the perspective and understated approach wouldnβt work for everyone.
Thanks Callum! I’m glad to hear it worked better for you and I look forward to read your review. Can’t help thinking, I might have missed something. π€¨
Hmm, so far I have heard quite a few complaints about Klara and the Sun, which is too bad because I genuinely did like other Ishiguro’s books I read (Never Let Me Go being one of them). I’ll still give it a shot, I think, if only to see how he tackles AI in this.
Perhaps the disappointment is worse for people who loved his other books. Having said that, there are also readers who seem to love Klara, so you might be positively surprised. I would be interested on your opinion, so I hope you will give it a try!
WhAT a brilliant review, Stargazer! I love the ideas you listed and I’m looking forward to reading this book but I’m not gonna set my expectations high. It seems that Ishiguro tried to do too much with this story, hence losing what made readers loved about his previous books. Nevertheless, I’m gonna give this a try. Thank you for sharing such an in-depth review. I appreciate it!
Thanks so much Jee! π I would love to hear what you think about this one, there seems to be a wide range of diverging opinions. As you say, it’s probably best to keep expectations low, just in case. And yes, he didn’t manage to affect me emotionally, the way he usually does, but he did make me think.
I just got this checked out from the library and Iβm thinking Iβll return it unread. I have never read Ishiguro. I honestly checked it out because Iβve seen it around a lot.
Oh, if you got it from the library, you may as well give it a try? I could imagine there is a huge wait list for this one, so if you regret it may take you a while to get it back. And who knows, you may be one of those who love this story!
True. Iβll give it a try. I donβt have high hopes though. Iβll let you know how it turns out.
Fingers crossed that you’ll enjoy it. And thanks, I am definitely curious to hear your opinion!
OK so this was so different than what I had expected. I enjoyed it. To be honest, I thought I would end up DNF it.
I am glad, you ended up enjoying it! I will keep an eye on your blog in case you decide to write a review. π
I haven’t taken time to write my review yet. The list you posted here is basically what made me like this book so much. I like how Klara discovers the richness and complexities of human psychology, and really tries hard to learn to adapt.
A bit like I Robot, when the robot wants to become human.
I will look out for your review! The characterisation of was definitely the best part of the story, she was well-written. I’m not sure she wanted to become human or even had feelings. Admittedly, her ability to register nuances was very developed. But generally she was behaving consistently to fulfil the objective she was “born” with – to be the best companion for her human. And she did that with great skill. Much better than if she had actually been a human – we often behave more irrationally, more selfishly and less consistent. I think, as a reader, we tend to project our own feelings on her.
great review! i can completely relate to your dissatisfaction with the supernatural storyline; i honestly think that was the biggest issue i had with this book. i just couldn’t bring myself to care about the cootings machine situation and wish that ishiguro had instead spent more time explore ideas of what it means to be human, as well as how artificial friends fall short of that criteria or meet it. i’m working on my own review of this book right now, but yours definitely reminded me of a lot that i want to say!
Thanks so much! π I am glad to hear that. I haven’t seen many reviewers commenting on the storyline with the cootings machine and the sun, but I had no interest in that part and if even felt out of place, especially “the miracle”. Like you, I would have preferred Ishiguro to focus on what it means to be human, that fits better with his strengths as a writer, I feel. I will look forward to read your review!
Thank you for this review! I’ve been meaning to read this book and I still will, I might just check out his earlier works before π
You are welcome! Unless you are specifically interested in AI, I would highly recommend to start with one of his earlier books. Never Let Me Go has some of the same themes, but in my opinion it is so much better. It’s ideal to know as little as possible about it when starting out.
Iβll definitely check that one out π
I hope you will enjoy it – it really is a favourite of mine!
I’m sorry it didn’t live up to your expectations. Though I agree that it isn’t as emotional as Never Let Me Go, I still think it’s a fascinating story covering a lot of important topics.
My expectations were probably too high to begin with, but I still thought it was a decent read. I just read another book about AI, which managed to engage me much more emotionally. Which is strange, because normally that is one of Ishiguro’s strengths, but I didn’t think it materialised in Klara.