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A review by kuyemura
Beggars in Spain by Nancy Kress
4.0
At some point, most people think about all they could do if they didn't have to sleep. If we're assuming those extra 7-9 hours would be productive (considering how much time I already spend dithering, doubtful for me) what would be the limit to what we could learn and accomplish?
It's an amusing thought experiment, but take it a step further. If people who were sleepless made the most of their time, how might that impact those who still had to lie catatonic for a third of their lives? What economic and social divides might start appearing? I was expecting entertainment based on the book's premise, but Kress surprised me with her careful exploration of community, humanity, and morality when all men are not, in fact, created equal. What, if anything, do those who have risen to power, strength, or money based on merit and hard work owe those who will not or cannot do the same? Do people envy excellence because they believe they are not capable of achieving the same, or because they believe they are?
A thematically rich and well-executed book.
It's an amusing thought experiment, but take it a step further. If people who were sleepless made the most of their time, how might that impact those who still had to lie catatonic for a third of their lives? What economic and social divides might start appearing? I was expecting entertainment based on the book's premise, but Kress surprised me with her careful exploration of community, humanity, and morality when all men are not, in fact, created equal. What, if anything, do those who have risen to power, strength, or money based on merit and hard work owe those who will not or cannot do the same? Do people envy excellence because they believe they are not capable of achieving the same, or because they believe they are?
A thematically rich and well-executed book.