Klara and the Sun - pages 55 to 110

Summary of pages 55 to 110

Klara is living in the home of Josie, a teenager with a recurring, serious illness. Klara adapts to the household, interacting with Melania Housekeeper and meeting Josie's close friend, Rick, who lives next door. Klara learns Rick is 'unlifted' – meaning he hasn't undergone a process to enhance abilities – which contrasts with Josie and her peers.  

A significant event is the 'interaction meeting' Josie hosts for other 'lifted' teenagers. Klara attends and observes the complex social interactions, noting the anxieties and sometimes cruel behaviour of the guests, particularly towards Rick. Klara witnesses Rick standing up for himself and Josie's own varying behaviour within the group.

During this period, Klara becomes more aware of the severity of Josie's illness. She observes the Mother's deep concern and driven nature, sensing the tension surrounding Josie's condition and future. 

Through these experiences, Klara continues her attempts to understand complex human emotions, relationships, social structures, and the nature of hope and fear within Josie's world.

Discussion questions for pages 55 to 110

1. During the 'interaction meeting', how do Josie's friends treat Rick because he isn't 'lifted'? What does this suggest about fairness and opportunities in their world?

2. Josie gets ill again just before the planned trip to Morgan's Falls, leading to the trip being cancelled for her. How do Josie and her Mother react to this situation and to each other? What does this show about how they both cope with Josie's illness?

3. When they visit Morgan's Falls (without Josie in the end), the Mother asks Klara to act like Josie. Why do you think she asks Klara to do this, and what might Klara learn from pretending to be Josie?