57 pages • 1 hour read
Nancy KressBeggars in Spain
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1991A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Beggars in Spain by Nancy Kress is set in a future where genetic modification allows the creation of highly intelligent "Sleepless" individuals who do not require sleep, focusing on the societal tensions between these Sleepless and the unmodified Sleepers. The story follows Leisha Camden, a Sleepless, as she navigates relationships, prejudice, and the ethical dilemmas posed by advances in genetic engineering. The novel addresses topics such as abuse, murder, and severe economic disparity.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Nancy Kress's Beggars in Spain receives praise for its thoughtful exploration of genetic engineering, human potential, and social stratification. Reviewers commend the compelling characters and intellectually stimulating plot. Criticisms often focus on a perceived lack of emotional depth and an overemphasis on philosophical discourse. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Beggars in Spain?
A reader who enjoys Beggars in Spain by Nancy Kress typically appreciates thought-provoking science fiction with ethical dilemmas and sociopolitical themes. Fans of Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin will find the exploration of genetic engineering and human evolution compelling.