The story is told through the perspective of Klara, an Artificial Friend (AF) designed to provide companionship to humans. As Klara awaits a buyer in a store, her observations of the world around her reveal her unique perspective and innocence. When chosen by Josie, a girl facing an illness, Klara becomes deeply entwined in the lives of Josie and her family. The novel delves into themes of sacrifice, artificial intelligence, and what it means to truly care for someone, challenging readers to reflect on their own understanding of empathy and human connection.