One of my favorite movies as a kid, despite it filling me with so much dread, was Artificial Intelligence by Steven Spielberg and this read so much like it. So while the first few parts were charming and calm, there was a looming worry at the back of my head that this too would break my heart in the end. Spoiler, it did, but in a very subtle and gentle way. I feel like Ishiguro babied us a little bit actually.

In this novel, we follow the thoughts and observations of Klara, a sensitive Artificial Friend who was chosen to be a companion of a sick human child. Through her senses and understanding, we very slowly discover people's yearning, secrets, and what this futuristic society looks like. Even the 'twists' seemed like they were deliberately spoiled as you go through the story. It makes sense because we are absorbing information based on the findings and analysis of a smart yet somewhat naive AI.

I've been on a terrible reading slump recently and I've attempted reading at least 6 other books before this finally stuck. I'm so happy I read it.