Beggars in Spain: The Original Hugo & Nebula Winning Novella
Registered by 
GoryDetails
of Nashua, New Hampshire USA on 2/28/2015
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
GoryDetails of Nashua, New Hampshire USA on 2/28/2015 This Book is Currently in the Wild!
2 journalers for this copy...
I came across this nearly-new softcover at the Book Cellar, and had to pick it up. It's a novella about a group of people genetically-engineered to need no sleep at all, allowing for much more productivity - but are there side effects? And what happens if these new people outstrip "normals" so much that they may replace them?
The story touches on a number of sensitive points, from the question of genetic manipulation of fetuses to various types of prejudice and fear - as well as the issue of major shifts in society. In this case it's due to the abilities of the Sleepless, as they're known, but in the past, widespread changes in industry, communications, and transportation have been very disruptive indeed, and often resulted in violence.
This story also has a more personal aspect, as the main character, Leisha, is a Sleepless who wound up with a fraternal twin who was not genetically altered; their parents, who disagreed about the procedure in the first place (Dad was in favor, Mom opposed) took out their differences in their children, with the father prejudiced in favor of Leisha and against Alice, and the mother the opposite. The effects this had on both girls drive the story, and while we see most of it from Leisha's viewpoint, Alice's side of things is vital.
The title refers to philosophical questions about whether or not to give alms to beggars, who (in the social model being discussed) can give nothing back; how Leisha works out this question for herself makes up part of the theme.
I enjoyed many aspects of the story, from small scenes (a group of Sleepless teens experimenting with a sleep-inducing drug so they can see what they're missing) to larger elements - would I begin to hate a newly-modified generation that was several times more productive (and joyful!) than I could be? This last question is a touchy one for those of us who are past middle age, as the world feels that way sometimes - young people adapt to the newest technologies much more easily than we can, and we have limited time and energy with which to even attempt to keep up...
Fascinating story, this. I see that it was expanded into a novel, with some sequels; I may check them out some time.
[There's a TV Tropes page on this novella and on the novel that followed it.]
The story touches on a number of sensitive points, from the question of genetic manipulation of fetuses to various types of prejudice and fear - as well as the issue of major shifts in society. In this case it's due to the abilities of the Sleepless, as they're known, but in the past, widespread changes in industry, communications, and transportation have been very disruptive indeed, and often resulted in violence.
This story also has a more personal aspect, as the main character, Leisha, is a Sleepless who wound up with a fraternal twin who was not genetically altered; their parents, who disagreed about the procedure in the first place (Dad was in favor, Mom opposed) took out their differences in their children, with the father prejudiced in favor of Leisha and against Alice, and the mother the opposite. The effects this had on both girls drive the story, and while we see most of it from Leisha's viewpoint, Alice's side of things is vital.
The title refers to philosophical questions about whether or not to give alms to beggars, who (in the social model being discussed) can give nothing back; how Leisha works out this question for herself makes up part of the theme.
I enjoyed many aspects of the story, from small scenes (a group of Sleepless teens experimenting with a sleep-inducing drug so they can see what they're missing) to larger elements - would I begin to hate a newly-modified generation that was several times more productive (and joyful!) than I could be? This last question is a touchy one for those of us who are past middle age, as the world feels that way sometimes - young people adapt to the newest technologies much more easily than we can, and we have limited time and energy with which to even attempt to keep up...
Fascinating story, this. I see that it was expanded into a novel, with some sequels; I may check them out some time.
[There's a TV Tropes page on this novella and on the novel that followed it.]
I'm adding this book to lane1088's SF/Fantasy bookbox, which will be on its way back to lane1088 in North Carolina very soon. Enjoy!
*** Released as part of the 2015 Oh the Places We Can Go challenge. ***
*** Released as part of the 2015 Oh the Places We Can Go challenge. ***
This came to me in the Sci Fi bookbox. I have the book that developed from this Novella so it should be interesting reading.
Journal Entry 4 by lane1088 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts USA on Friday, September 25, 2015
Released 8 yrs ago (9/24/2015 UTC) at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
I was going to put this on a bench at one of the Mass General buildings. As i sat there, someone looked interested in the book so i gave it to her. I hope you enjoy this new find.
