Falling Free

Falling Free is a science fiction novel by Lois McMaster Bujold, set in her Vorkosigan universe. The story revolves around the "Quaddies," genetically engineered humans with four arms, designed to excel in zero-gravity environments. They are treated as property by the corporation that created them, denied basic human rights, and controlled in every aspect of their lives. The Quaddies' world is turned upside down when a new technology renders them obsolete, threatening their very existence. The novel follows Leo Graf, a human engineer who becomes instrumental in the Quaddies' fight for freedom. With the help of a young Quaddie named Silver, Graf orchestrates a daring escape, allowing the Quaddies to seek autonomy and survival. Falling Free explores themes of identity, survival, and self-determination, setting the stage for later novels like Diplomatic Immunity. It won the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1988, showcasing Bujold's early mastery of character-driven science fiction.