Usher Syndrome (Becoming Agie (1)) [Kindle Edition]

Grigory Ryzhakov (Author), Stephanie Dagg (Editor)

Book Description

Praise for “Usher Syndrome”

“I read it furiously in one sitting and then went back and read it again... I am a huge fan!” Thomas McDermott, Author of Immortal Beauty

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Love makes us blind, but can it cure physical blindness?

Agie used to be a man. Now she has opened her heart to someone who would accept her for what she is. But her destiny has other plans and Agie has to fight for her love in the most challenging and unexpected way.

This short novella, warmly received by the readers, contains themes of love, friendship, betrayal, self-identity, gender and even cutting-edge gene therapy.

The book was adapted to stage and the "Usher" play had a successful run at Baron's Court Theatre in West London in 2010.

Product Details

• File Size: 170 KB
• Print Length: 27 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Grigory Ryzhakov; 1 edition (April 8, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007SOS76U
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #560,795 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars high matters, but easy to grasp April 30, 2012

By True Blue

Format:Kindle Edition

This story is unique. "Usher Syndrome" is written in the first person POV and the main character, Agie, is a M->F transsexual, not the kind of person you normally make your protagonist. She is not a suffering prostitute, drug addict, or a wannabe singer, as in all those cliched stories about M->F transsexuals. She is a successful scientist. Transformation of her character related to change in gender identity is interconnected with the development of relationship with her new friend, which takes an unexpected twist... It just makes you realize that we know nothing about what love is, but at the same time it leaves no doubt that it is an omnipresent power.
Another notable feature of the book is its scientific aspect. Science is not meant here as a mode of transforming one of the characters into a flying superhero or teleportation to another planet... it is used to cure one of the characters from a real disease that has no treatment today. Given that some of sci-fi fantasies become reality, I hope this will be the case too, but so far, such methods are rare even in sci-fi literature.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The greatest of these is love January 1, 2013

By Julie Covert

Format:Kindle Edition

While complicated and controversial subject matter, the author reminds us that love and forgiveness is what is truly significant, and that we are all flawed.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Mind, Heart, and Soul! September 11, 2012

By Robert N. Corbet

Format:Kindle Edition

I loved this short novella! I read it furiously in one sitting and then went back and read it again. It is fast paced and so human and warm even though the story is one of the most unique I have ever read. These characters were quirky and lovely and intelligent and even though they were so charmingly odd, I connected with each one of them intimately as if I knew them or knew what they were feeling. It went too fast for me, and I am so excited there is a sequel Pumpkin Day to dive right into! Keep writing Grigory, I am a huge fan! Author, Thomas McDermott

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Unusual Love Story April 26, 2012

By Nick Nifadéff

Format:Kindle Edition

I've recently got a Kindle, and was on the hunt to get a couple of new titles for my new shiny gadget. I came across Usher Syndrome in the first instance, well, because it was written by the indie author, a Russian guy studied biology at Cambridge (also the cover looked quite promising too).

Despite the fact I was expecting to find a plenty of difficult-to-understand stuff, I've read the story in one go.

Agie, main character and the story narrator, may be a product of imagination but she's someone I would definitely make friends with in real world. On the flip side, the story is too short and a bit sparse on the setting.

In my opinion, it's an impressive debut (considering that English is not the author's mother tongue). I'd recommend this quirky writer, especially if you're into new indie stuff.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it! April 15, 2012

By Elena Sineva

Format:Kindle Edition

I read the story twice, both in English and in Russian.
It's a really witty and touching story. Agie is a unique heroine. It's a great and easy read!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love Cures Blindness (With a Little Help from Science!) November 15, 2012

By Cynthia Holt

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Usher Syndrome is the thoughtful perspective of a transsexual scientist named Agie who falls in love with a disabled young man. Agie works through the perils and joys of love as she utilizes her scientific expertise to discover a cure for her lover's genetic disorder. I think the story's final revelations are the most poignant, and they lead to an unexpected, heartbreaking conclusion. This is a story about love, forgiveness and a lesson that blindness can be physical, emotional and metaphorical.

"Love is blind; friendship closes its eyes." ~ Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Clever and well-executed short story May 13, 2012

By Elizabeth Jennings

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

As Ryzhakov's debut work of short fiction in English, Usher Syndrome takes a curious and well-written glimpse into the lives of three unique characters and reveals a rich world of personality marbled with seemingly complex themes. Ryzhakov's background in molecular biology trickles through the tale, winding Science and personal identity together delicately; although a work on these subjects could prove quite heavy, Ryzhakov succeeds in creating an easily palatable and enjoyable tale.

Easily read in one sitting, Usher Syndrome is an excellent example of short fiction that packs a punch without unnecessary fluff. Its only flaw might be that it is indeed short--but rumours have it that a sequel is in the works. Ryzhakov is without doubt an upcoming writer to watch!

I recommend Usher Syndrome to anyone who would like a quick, thought-provoking read during their daily commute or morning coffee.

3.0 out of 5 stars Promise February 17, 2013

By Adri

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

The story has promise, but could do with some fleshing out. The plot is quite unique, but there is a bit of naivety that can be jarring.

More About the Author

Grigory Ryzhakov is a Russian molecular biologist, singer-songwriter and story-teller living in the UK.

He received his MSc degree in biochemistry from Moscow State University (Russia) and a PhD in molecular biology from University of Cambridge (UK).

In his stories, Grigory likes to explore people in unusual situations, facing unusual challenges and aiming to achieve the impossible. His fiction is swarming with references to world literature, science, history, politics, it's full of grotesque and irony. He defines his writing genre as speculative fiction.

"Usher Syndrome" is his first published story, which was also adapted for stage and performed at London's Barons Court Theatre in 2010.

To connect with Grigory, please visit his blog: http://www.ryzhakov.co.uk

You can also find him on Twitter - @GrigoryRyzhakov