Lara Gelya

Camel from Kyzylkum is a memoir about immigration from the Soviet Union, family, and the late twentieth century. It touches on themes of hope, struggles, and loss, and shares the inspiration for reaching again and again for a better life.

A Memoir of My Life Journey

Camel from Kyzylkum

Briar's Reviews

Lately, it's been hard for me to find books that I binge straight through from beginning to end. Camel from Kyzylkum by Lara Gelya was a rare find that I couldn't put down. 

Lara Gelya is from the Ukraine, and she has had such an incredible life. This book follows her story through the good and bad - immigration, family struggles, love, loss, and finding her way to a better life. I found Lara's retelling of her life, from traveling through the Kyzylkum Desert of Uzbekistan, to finding steady employment, having a family, and all the way through retirement to be so sweet. It's an easy read, almost as if Lara is out right telling her life story over a coffee. Her life is incredible and unbelievable. Despite some very difficult parts of her life, she shows optimism and pride for who she is. The obstacles life threw at her could be difficult, but she made it through even the toughest ones. 

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.

Five out of five stars.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Camel from Kyzylkum A Memoir of My Life Journey

Reviews