Store

The novel begins in an unnamed store that sells ‘artificial friends,’ or ‘AFs.’ Klara is one of the AFs being sold in the store. During her time in the store, the reader becomes acquainted not only with Klara, but also with some other important elements of the story and the novel’s overall setting. The novel is set an unspecified number of years in the future, as evidenced by the various technological advancements displayed in the story. Klara is eventually purchased by Chrissie, supposedly as a companion for Chrissie’s sickly daughter Josie.

Josie’s House

Josie and her mother Chrissie live in a large house in a relatively rural area. Klara resides with them in this house after Chrissie purchases her. Klara functions as a companion to Josie, and she also observes Josie and Chrissie’s rapport. It is evident that Chrissie and Josie have a generally...