Beggars in Spain

Genetically engineered sleepless humans cause an uproar in this science fiction novel adapted from the author's Hugo and Nebula Award–winning novella.
"Superb. . . . An exquisite saga of biological advantages." —Denver Post

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.

"[Kress] explores the nature of humanity's fear of differences in this elegantly written novel set on tomorrow's horizon. A priority purchase for sf collections." —Library Journal

"Thrilling drama, compelling dialectic." —Kirkus Reviews

"Thought-provoking. . . . Kress . . . raises some intriguing scientific and sociological issues." —Publishers Weekly