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Camel from Kyzylkum

Camel from Kyzylkum

by

Lara Gelya

Travel from Ukraine to the Kyzylkum Desert of Uzbekistan, from the Soviet Union to Austria, then Italy, and eventually America, all while following the author’s journey to find her truth and future. “Camel from Kyzylkum” depicts the life of an ordinary person in a country that no longer exists — the Soviet Union and the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of a woman to find her freedom and a better life. It shows that the journey of a refugee, in this case from the Soviet Union to the USA, doesn’t end when you arrive in a new country with all your possessions fit in two suitcases. It is the story of one of the millions of immigrants who have realized their dream in America and a reminder that this country is a land of opportunity. This story, enriched by themes of hope, struggle, family, and loss, is a vivid testament to the human spirit’s resilience. Therefore, this book would be great material for a film project.

More Details

IAC Main Tropes:

Detailed Tropes:

The Refugee’s Journey – leaving one’s homeland in search of freedom and a better life.

Representations in This Book:

Age Groups:

Middle Age, New Adult, Adult

Spice Level:

Level 3

Available Formats:

Audiobook, Paperback, eBook

Content Information:

Level 2

Estrangement - family matter

Links to Purchase

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Other Books in the

Series

About the Author

Lara Gelya

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.  


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.

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