Zelig’s Odyssey
Zelig’s Odyssey by Shimon Camiel, published by iUniverse in September 2005, is a biography that chronicles the journey of Zelig Camiel, an eighteen-year-old Polish Jew who embarks on an adventurous path from his village to the United States. Faced with the challenges of the era, including a lack of acceptance for Jews in America, Zelig finds himself in Cuba, where he makes a living by painting Catholic saints on the streets of Havana. This edition spans 276 pages and is presented in English.
Readers will discover the engaging narrative of Zelig’s life as he navigates various entrepreneurial ventures, including his time in Mexico City and Tijuana, where he rises from a bottle washer to head croupier in a gambling casino. Shimon Camiel shares his father’s escapades with wit and wisdom, providing insights into a unique cultural and historical context. The book explores themes of identity and belonging, making it a compelling read for those interested in biography, cultural history, and the Jewish experience.
Official synopsis Publisher
In 1926, eighteen-year-old Zelig Camiel, a Polish Jew and natural-born mischief-maker, leaves his village and heads for the United States. Unfortunately, President Coolidge has no interest in Jews, and Zelig picks the next best place-Cuba. He ekes out a living painting Catholic saints in the streets of Havana. When he runs out of holy men, he creates his own.
In this engaging biography, author Shimon Camiel shares the heartwarming story of his father’s journey from Poland to America. After his escapades in Cuba, Zelig moves on to Mexico City, and a whole set of entrepreneurial endeavors as he teams with two Jewish women of the street.
Constantly restless, Zelig travels toward Baja, California, trying to get as close as possible to his family in the United States. He leaves Mexico City for Tijuana, working his way up from bottle washer to head croupier in a lush gambling casino. Time passes, and Zelig answers fortune’s call again, searching for his rightful place in the world.
With wit and wisdom, Camiel explores his father’s adventurous life in a unique and entertaining style, drawing you into an exciting, forgotten time.
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