PROGRAMS

by Irina Vysotskaya

Greta, a young Swedish actress with dreams of stardom, leaves her home and her twin flame, Clara, to pursue a career in Hollywood, transforming into the glamorous Margo Alba. Her new identity brings fame and success but at the cost of the authenticity she left behind. Meanwhile, Clara embarks on a new chapter with Richard, a tech developer tasked with creating an AI replica of the famous Margo Alba, aptly named Margo 2.0.

As Greta longs to reconnect with her true self, guided by Lil, her ethereal higher self, Clara faces her own dilemmas - torn between maintaining her family with Richard, unresolved feelings for Greta, fascination with Lil, and the unsettling presence of Margo 2.0.

As their lives intertwine, the boundaries between real and artificial begin to dissolve. Both Greta and Clara are forced to confront profound questions about consciousness, identity, and love. Their journeys become a meditation on the intersection of human, spiritual, and artificial intelligence, exploring the sovereignty of human consciousness in a world where authentic and manufactured experiences increasingly overlap.

The story unfolds as both women grapple with choices about their futures, their relationships, and their sense of self, ultimately asking what their connection truly means in a world where the very nature of reality is constantly in question.

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2023

About the author

Irina Vysotskaya is a novelist, screenwriter, and director based in France. Since 2004, she has served as the Managing Director of Acting International, an esteemed international drama school located in Paris. In this role, she not only oversees the operations of the school but also plays a pivotal part in shaping the curriculum and nurturing the talents of aspiring artists from around the globe.

Irina’s unique approach to performance is characterized by her deep understanding of the artistic process and her commitment to excellence. Her work reflects a profound passion for storytelling, whether it be through her plays, screenplays, or novels. She draws inspiration from her experiences as an actress and educator, infusing her projects with creativity and insight that resonate with audiences.

As an educator, Irina is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists, fostering their talents, and helping them develop their own unique voices. Her influence extends beyond her own creations, as she inspires her students to embrace their creativity and pursue their dreams in the performing arts.

Reviews

[talk lit get hit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bridget's review:

Programs didn’t really do it for me. Themes of friendship, love, fame, greed and advancements in AI were woven through the play, but I wasn’t invested in the characters, or their motives and feelings. The plot felt rushed and the characters were underdeveloped. However, I enjoyed the premise of the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought-provoking and intricately woven tale that explores the complexities of identity, consciousness, and human connection. The novel follows the journey of Greta, a Swedish actress who transforms into the world-renowned celebrity Margo Alba, and her twin flame girlfriend Clara. As Clara starts a family with Richard, a developer working on a cutting-edge AI project, the lines between reality and illusion blur.

The author’s storytelling is both compelling and contemplative, inviting readers to ponder deep philosophical questions about the nature of consciousness and the impact of artificial intelligence on our lives. The characters' emotional struggles and the challenges they face as they navigate their evolving relationships make this a gripping read.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up because this book is like a rollercoaster of identity, consciousness, and some seriously tangled love stories! Meet Greta, who goes from Swedish sweetheart to Hollywood sensation Margo Alba, and Clara, her twin flame who's juggling family, love, and a seriously futuristic AI project. But here's the kicker – there's an invisible friend in the mix, Lil, who's Greta's oversoul. Yep, things get trippy! Why should you read it? Because it's like peeking into a parallel universe where reality is as bendy as a pretzel, and you'll be questioning everything you know about love, identity, and the power of the mind. So, dive in, and let the mind-bending adventure begin!

[Bridget Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

(review for talk lit, get hit podcast)

Programs didn’t really do it for me. Themes of friendship, love, fame, greed and advancements in AI were woven through the play, but I wasn’t invested in the characters, or their motives and feelings. The plot felt rushed and the characters were underdeveloped. However, I enjoyed the premise of the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.