Gelya’s story is a modern day telling of the American dream. Her story parallels the immigrant experience of the turn of the 20th century. This idea that America would offer greater opportunity, safety, and stability that was lacking in one’s homeland. It truly warms the heart, amid so much turmoil, to see that this legacy of America still lives on.

Lara describes her personal ordeals with surprising candor. Starting with her process of immigration, her struggle to re-establish herself in a foreign country, and her effort to learn the new language. Readers then learn of her constant fight to bring her daughter from the Soviet Union to join her and the painful break from her family. She was left feeling betrayed and filled with grief. To finally accept reality and reach towards other sources of fulfillment, we accompany her on her travels and witness each phase of her life as they shape the person she has become today.

This is truly a story of the power of women. Lara’s journey is such an incredible one, and her shine is evident. I truly think this is a must read book to open your eyes to a new world that might be outside of your own. She deeply touched my heart and soul, and for that I applaud Lara. What an incredible story teller.

Gripping, engaging, and thought-provoking, author Lara Gelya’s “Camel from Kyzylkum: A Memoir of My Life Journey” is a must-read memoir and nonfiction read. Suppose you enjoy stories that share the classic, ideal American Journey for immigrants while also providing a unique perspective and personal experience from the author’s life. In that case, this is the book for you. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

I am fond of your story because it is a chance to study History. The chance to learn about those events, processed through your experience. It must be read by those who lived in the USSR and who now live in all its former republics! This book is a treasure. For everyone who is losing hope, who doubts if he/she could go on fighting, who thinks there is no way out and ready to give up... Please accept endless appreciation and acknowledgment from your grateful and loving reader...

A story as rich in history and personal memories as Lara Gelya's Camel from Kyzylkum is challenging to describe or quantify in a way that genuinely lends the memoir the dignity it deserves.