Klara and the Sun

Abstract

Klara and the Sun is set in a dystopian future where children are remotely tutored by on-screen teachers and genetically engineered (or “lifted”) to enhance their academic prospects, albeit the life-threatening risks of such medical procedures. The story is told from the perspective of the android Klara, an Artificial Friend (AF) bought to keep Josie, the only remaining child of a well-to-do family, following her sister’s death after being submitted to the lifting process, company. Just like her sister before her, Josie is gravely ill because of the genetic engineering procedures that she endured, and both Klara and Rick, Josie’s childhood friend and neighbor, who faces discrimination and prejudice for not being lifted, strive to prevent what seems to be Josie’s unavoidable death.