Interrobangbang

“Beggars in Spain” by Nancy Kress

My rating: 3 stars

In the year 2008, genetically-modified babies are common–if you can afford them. Parents can choose hair color, tendency toward slimness, and even eliminate the need for sleep. Leisha Chapman was born with all of these modified traits. Her twin sister, Alice, was not. As the world changes and time goes on, the two are not only led in different directions, they become members of two separate classes of people–the Sleepless and the Sleepers. Many are threatened by these people who experience no psychological problems nor waste time every night in hibernation. They are happier, healthier, smarter, and live longer. What’s not to hate about those weirdos?

The science, law, and narrative in this story work well in the first and second “books,” but after that the whole story becomes a bit long-winded. It truly feels like multiple books printed together rather than one, with each section’s ending perfect but never utilized properly. As one of the first books to discuss genetic engineering in detail, it is certainly worth the time it takes to finish and most of the language is quite accessible.  I’m not sure that I’ll read the others, since it felt like I was reading three books in one already.  I don’t know that there is more to say on the topic.

Beggars in Spain by Nancy Kress was published in April of 1993 and is currently available wherever books are sold–please be careful which edition you get, as some appear to be abridged–while I feel the story could have been shortened, I would rather read the original length and decide that for myself.