Biology in Science Fiction: Free Stories

Title: Beggars in Spain (excerpt)

Author: Nancy Kress

Length: novel

First Publication: Novel published in 1993; based on a novella by the same name published in Asimov’s Science Fiction, 1991

Awards: The novel was nominated for both the Hugo Award and Nebula Award. The original novella won the Hugo Award for Best Novella, 1992 and Nebula Award for Best Novella, 1991

What the Story is About: Official synopsis:

In a world where the slightest edge can mean the difference between success and failure, Leisha Camden is beautiful, extraordinarily intelligent … and one of an ever-growing number of human beings who have been genetically modified to never require sleep.

Once considered interesting anomalies, now Leisha and the other “Sleepless” are outcasts — victims of blind hatred, political repression, and shocking mob violence meant to drive them from human society … and, ultimately, from Earth itself.

But Leisha Camden has chosen to remain behind in a world that envies and fears her “gift” — a world marked for destruction in a devastating conspiracy of freedom … and revenge.

See Wikipedia for more background.

NOTE: Click the “Browse and Buy” button on the linked page to read  the first 72 pages of the novel.

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Categories: 1990-1999 • Genetic Engineering • Hugo • Intelligence • Kress - Nancy • Longevity & Aging • Nebula • Novel