In an America in the not too distant future, midcareer adults become “post employed”; children are genetically edited, or “lifted”, an apparently risky medical procedure that enhances human functioning, creating separate classes; teens are largely separate from one another and not independent, requiring “interaction parties” to learn social skills; and artificial intelligence robots, or AFs are purchased by families to give these children devoted companions, like highly intelligent, loyal dogs. Klara is such an AF, with the unusual quality of great sensitivity, perceptiveness, and loyalty, making her an exceptional companion.

When Josie meets Klara, it feels like kismet. Josie is an apparently sickly young teen, who brings her mother in the store with a mission to bring Klara home. We learn that Klara’s illness is a result of the lifting procedure, which is viewed as so necessary to a teen’s future that their prospects and place in society is endangered without it (sounds like high school guidance counselors talking about college.) In fact, Josie’s older sister died as a result, but the family still felt the need to risk it again. An interesting foil to Josie is her next door neighbor and lifelong companion Rick, whose mother chose not to have him lifted. We see Josie’s life through the eyes of Klara, a perfect narrator as a perceptive, intelligent, yet uninformed, somewhat removed keen observer.

Klara, as a solar powered robot, feels the sun plays a greater role than mere power source. She has a sort of personal spiritual connection, and appears to believe that prayer and personal sacrifice will convince the sun to bring “special nourishment” (grace?) to heal Josie. Indeed, one might say that Klara feels she and Josie were meant to be together, that Klara’s special mission is to bring about Josie’s healing.

A beautifully and delicately written and constructed novel, this book gently explores our relationship with artificial intelligence, the human and social consequences of tampering with our genes, and the meaning of work, family, community, when AF is integrated throughout. One of the best novels of the year, from a master of the form.