The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
thebetterstory's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The central plot, or what there is of it, remains tense and absorbing as you're drawn into hoping that things will work out for these characters, against all odds and in spite of their blatant flaws.
Moderate: Chronic illness, Child death, Abandonment, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Racism, Bullying, and Xenophobia
The characters are nuanced, but it's certain that they are all generally unkind to Klara at one point or another in the book. I wouldn't personally say that these relationships are solely toxic, and Klara isn't upset by it, but there's definitely significant dehumanization at times (if you count Klara as a human) and a background understanding and suggestion that AFs, including one we care about, have been and continue to be abused.miyothecat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Moderate: Child death, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, and Abandonment
Minor: Racism
athenium's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Terminal illness, Chronic illness, and Death
Moderate: Ableism, Classism, Abandonment, and Bullying
Minor: Confinement, Mental illness, and Racism
trickphoenix's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Bullying, Classism, and Grief
Minor: Racism, Child death, and Mental illness
fraxisle's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Terminal illness
Moderate: Child death, Dementia, and Mental illness
Minor: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Racism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Xenophobia, and Gun violence
bisexualwentworth's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book has so many conceptual layers, and I’m not sure I understand any of them. I may need to read some analyses to feel like I really get all of what was going on.
If you’re looking for a weird, sweet, high-concept novel with a fascinating AI narrator who is equal parts intelligent and naive, I highly recommend Klara and the Sun. If sick kids or artificial intelligence or genetic enhancement are triggers for you, you might want to give it a miss.
Honestly, I kind of feel like this book exists in the same conceptual space as Never Let Me Go, so I will definitely be thinking about potential links between the two for a while.
Graphic: Chronic illness and Terminal illness
Moderate: Child death, Grief, and Bullying
Minor: Racism
maliap's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Terminal illness and Chronic illness
Moderate: Racism, Medical content, and Grief
Minor: Child death
orangesoda733's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Moderate: Chronic illness
Minor: Racism and Xenophobia