Beggars In Spain

This first of a Nancy Kress sci-fi classic trilogy could as readily be titled Beggars In Dallas, even though it was only a metaphor in the first place. Some of the rest of the book, despite its focus on genetic enhancements, has a sort of outdated feel to it, as well. Well, it was written several decades ago.

But the philosophical argument the story and characters illustrate, between Ayn Rand individualism and the Russian immigrant author’s despised forced altruism is as fresh as the deficit-reducing Tea Party versus Obamacare.

In the end, Kress’s main protagonist decides a compromise between producers and beggars works best and that seems wise. It’s also rather obvious, but in the author’s deft hands, getting there is well worth the journey.