Camel from Kyzylkum

In this remarkable memoir, Lara Gelya recounts her life journey, spanning over five decades, from her childhood in Ukraine to her years in Uzbekistan and eventually to her new life in the United States. The book examines humanity’s capacity to adapt, persevere, and thrive in adversity. Gelya's story begins in Vinnitsa, Ukraine, where she was born in 1950 to a Jewish family. Her childhood was marked by discrimination and stigma due to her Jewish heritage, which she experienced firsthand during her early years in school and social interactions. Her parents' divorce when she was twelve years old added to her sense of insecurity and confusion. As a young girl, Gelya spent summers with her grandmother in Belarus, where she developed a close bond with her two aunts, Inna and Mila. These summers were filled with laughter, adventure, and memorable experiences that shaped her childhood. The aunts' affection and care helped Gelya feel loved and accepted during a tumultuous period.  

Gelya's experiences in Uzbekistan, where she worked as a geophysicist, are equally fascinating. She recounts her time in the Kyzylkum Desert, where she developed a deep appreciation for the harsh environment and its unique inhabitants. Her encounters with camels, which she calls “ships of the desert,” symbolized are noteworthy. Camel from Kyzylkum takes a dramatic turn when Gelya leaves Uzbekistan and seeks a better life in the United States. She embarks on an exciting and challenging journey with only two suitcases and $140 in her pocket. Her experiences in New York and later in the Rockville area in Maryland and Northern Virginia are marked by struggles and triumphs as she navigates a new culture and builds a new life. Throughout the book, Gelya weaves together stories from her past and present, reflecting on the lessons she has learned. She writes candidly about the challenges she faced as a Jewish woman in the Soviet Union, where anti-Semitism was rampant. Her accounts of discrimination and humiliation are heartbreaking but ultimately provide the foundation on which her resilience and personality are built. The themes of identity, belonging, and grit are woven throughout the book. Gelya's journey is one of self-discovery as she navigates multiple cultures and identities. Her experiences in Uzbekistan, where she was seen as an outsider due to her Jewish heritage, contrast her later life in the United States, where she finds acceptance and belonging. The narrative features an arresting tone, stunning photography, and insightful passages. The gorgeous writing augments the entertainment quality of the narrative. Camel from Kyzylkum is a tale of personal transformation, growth, and adventure, a memoir brimming with lessons for immigrants seeking a place they can call home. It has resonant themes and lessons that will help many readers.