An excellent commentary wrapped up in a well crafted story. Naomi Kritzer provides a realistic near future vision of an independant country established by those who feel they are outside of the responsibilities of society. Naomi manages to craft a story in this environment that feels balanced. Beck has only really known the world of this country, so the rules and social norms of this society are presented as normal. When something is wrong through Beck's eyes, we know it's wrong by her standards.