Camel from Kyzylkum

Biographies & Memoirs

synopsis

Synopsis

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.

bio

Author Biography

Born in Ukraine and going to school there, Lara Gelya went on for the next 20 years to the Kyzylkum Desert of the Republic of Uzbekistan, working at geological sites and expeditions of the Mining Industry. At that time Ukraine and Uzbekistan were parts of one country—the Soviet Union.

In 1989 Lara left the Soviet Union, lived in Austria and Italy before she, at last, found her way to the United States in 1990. Starting her life from ground zero again, and trying on so many hats, she was able to make a lengthy professional career that led to her eventual retirement on the shores of sunny Florida. Lara's debut book "Camel from Kyzylkum" is a poignant memoir about hope, struggles, loss, and finding the strength and inspiration to reach again and again for a better life.

In September of 2022, Lara became an award-winning author as her book, Camel from Kyzylkum, was awarded the Literary Titan Gold Book Award.

When she isn’t writing or making her videos and pictures, Lara spends most of her time reading, gardening, cooking, traveling the world, wandering through nature, or catching her favorite shows.

Please visit my author's website at laragelya.com

website

Author Insight

My Friends

FRIENDSHIPS THAT I developed during my first years in Buffalo helped me to go through all the ups and downs of my life...

Book Excerpt

Camel from Kyzylkum

My Friends

FRIENDSHIPS THAT I developed during my first years in Buffalo helped me to go through all the ups and downs of my life. I came across many people with whom I developed some kind of relationship, but with four of my best friends I have kept in touch for all these passing years. I’m forever grateful for their presence in my life, for their support and inspiration. They will always have a special place in my heart.

I met Sofiya in the first school I attended to learn English in 1990. Sofiya had arrived in Buffalo from Italy on May 7, 1990, with her parents. They were from Minsk, Belarus, and, like me, they went through Austria and Italy before they came to the United States as refugees. Her father soon passed away, but her mother, Busya, lived until she was 94 years old. Busya was a wise and kind person. When I was in distress, their house was always a healing place for my soul. Busya never failed to offer something delicious to eat and to warm my heart.

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Lara Gelya

Camel from Kyzylkum

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

My Friends

FRIENDSHIPS THAT I developed during my first years in Buffalo helped me to go through all the ups and downs of my life...

Book Excerpt

Camel from Kyzylkum

My Friends

Comment on this Bubble