Beggars in Spain

Beggars in Spain is a science fiction novel adapted from Nancy Kress's Hugo and Nebula Award–winning novella. It explores a world where genetic engineering has created humans who do not require sleep. Leisha Camden is one of these genetically modified "Sleepless"—beautiful and extraordinarily intelligent. Once viewed as interesting anomalies, Leisha and others like her have become outcasts, facing hatred, political repression, and mob violence designed to expel them from human society and Earth itself. Despite living in a world that envies and fears her genetic gift, Leisha chooses to remain. She becomes entangled in a devastating conspiracy involving both freedom and revenge. The novel examines humanity's fear of difference and raises scientific and sociological questions about the nature of human identity and social conflict.