Hard SF discussion

The Book of the Month for October, 2009 is Beggars in Spain , written in 1993 by Nancy Kress:

Many of us wish we could get by with less sleep. Beggars in Spain extrapolates that wish into a future where some people need no sleep at all. Nancy Kress, an award-winning author of novels, short stories, and columns on writing, has created another thoughtful but dramatic statement on social issues.

Leisha Camden was genetically modified at birth to require no sleep, and her normal twin Alice is the control. Problems and envy between the sisters mirror those in the larger world, as society struggles to adjust to a growing pool of people who not only have 30 percent more time to work and study than normal humans, but are also highly intelligent and in perfect health. The Sleepless gradually outgrow their welcome on Earth, and their children escape to an orbiting space station to set up their own society. But Leisha and a few others remain behind, preaching acceptance for all humans, Sleepless and Sleeper alike. With the conspiracy and revenge that unwinds, the world needs a little preaching on tolerance.

Beggars in Spain is the first of a trilogy; the following two are Beggars And Choosers (1994) and Beggars Ride (1996). Please add your reviews and comments here. If you want, cross-post them to the Yahoo newsgroup as well.

Wow, looks like an interesting book!

It's been years since I read these but I remember I really liked them. I have always considered sleep a waste of valuable time.

Lindalee wrote: "I have always considered sleep a waste of valuable time."
Ha, seriously!

I'm only 100 pages in, but it's a really interesting read. The events are moving really fast! The characters, though, seem quite flat so far. Lots and lots to think about with the Sleepless/Sleeper dynamic and whether one genetic change renders you not human.

You know, if I didn't sleep, I don't think I'd work twice as hard at my job. Maybe I'd devote 50% more time (i.e. 8 hr workday to 12 hr), and then pick up some hobbies. The Sleepless are crazy motivated!

BTW: if there are any mods here from the Yahoo group, my membership over there is pending. Any chance of letting me in?

On 30 pages, and I like the interplay between the two sisters.

Really like the line: The dogs bark but the caravan moves on.

So, the novella of this book won the Hugo in 1992. Kreuss released the novel-form for Beggars in Spain in 93.

Does anyone know which parts of the novel were the original novella?

I'm asking because it feels like some of the ideas she established at the beginning, she almost abandons at the end.