Camel from Kyzylkum
The first time I visited Rome was in early 1990. I was on a mission to find a better life after escaping the Iron Curtain of the Soviet Union. As punishment for my escape, my USSR citizenship was revoked, leaving me stateless, with the status of Refugee of the World. I traveled light across continents, with just two suitcases filled with family photos, a few books, spoons, and small pots. I had almost no money in my pocket, but Rome and Italy were still a wonderful discovery and a source of immense cultural enrichment for me in 1990.
A Memoir of My Life Journey
Lara Gelya
Author
Camel from Kyzylkum is an award-winning memoir that chronicles the remarkable
journey of immigrating from the Soviet Union during the late twentieth century. It delves
into themes of hope, struggle, family, and loss, offering a profound exploration of the
human spirit’s yearning for freedom and self-determination. Through the author’s
compelling narrative, readers gain a deep insight into life within the Soviet Union and
the immense sacrifices and risks individuals undertake in pursuit of a better life.
The memoir traces a gripping path from Ukraine to the Kyzylkum Desert in Uzbekistan,
and onward through Austria, Italy, and finally America. Along this journey, the author
navigates personal truths and aspirations, illustrating the resilience and determination
required to forge a new path in unfamiliar lands.
Camel from Kyzylkum is not just a memoir; it’s a transformative narrative that opens
doors to unfamiliar worlds, encouraging readers to broaden their perspectives and
empathize with the challenges and triumphs of others. It stands as a testament to the
enduring human spirit and the universal quest for identity and belonging.
Press Release:
A Powerful Memoir of Immigration, Resilience, and the Unyielding Human Spirit.
A story told is a life lived !
“The desert has always been a place on Earth that people have experienced in awe. They say that the
desert is a living creature that can either accept a wanderer who has invaded its territory, or not
accept that person at all. It depends entirely on the nature and mood of both sides.” -Lara Gelya
Order yours today
When the COVID-19 pandemic covered the World with darkness and all the long-planned trips were canceled, Lara spent months writing a memoir of her life
journey. When the book was finally published, Lara was swept with a range of emotions – elation, disbelief, a sense of pride and accomplishment, and panic – all of these came at once. One of the most satisfying experiences for Lara is receiving messages from people who tell Lara how much they’ve enjoyed reading her
book. Your reviews are greatly appreciated!
Buy a paperback copy now !
Or add your paperback copy to the cart now and check out !
“Have just finished reading Lara Gelya’s remarkable memoir Camel
from Kyzylkum. Buy it. Buy it to read how a persevering truth can
conquer the many negative challenges in life. Ms. Gelya’s grit and grind
represent the classic mantra – do it, don’t talk about it, do it, do
whatever it takes. She overcame all odds and did it. Kudos.”
— Mario E. Lombardo
Our Satisfied Readers
Camel from Kyzylkum is an inspiring real-life story of a woman's
pursuit of a better life against all odds. Lara Gelya provides a vivid
account of her experiences as a Soviet Union immigrant who
managed to overcome extraordinary challenges and struggles to
finally find her dream home. With an unflinching narrative, Gelya lays
bare her life story. Her tale showcases the resilient spirit of the
human soul and proves that one should never give up hope, even in
adversity. Overall, I found Camel from Kyzylkum a thoroughly riveting
read, and a memoir that I will highly recommend to everyone.
A brave and painfully honest depiction of Lara’s life.
Lara Gelya has written her memoir with great details and accuracy of
historical events in both the former Soviet Union and here in the USA
,necessitating intense research and documentation. Overall, the book is
impressive in many aspects & highly recommended... I could not put it
down from start to finish. The photos in the book are truly prize
winning...
Press Release
Camel from Kyzylkum by Lara Gelya:
A Powerful Memoir of Immigration, Resilience, and the Unyielding Human Spirit.
