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Story of survival
06Feb07
A WOMAN'S childhood in Iran, her life as a refugee and her first glimpses of Australia after flying
from the Middle East make for an intriguing story.
Cherrybrook resident Bonnie Serov, who works at Angus & Robertson book shop at Stockland Merrylands, has published a book about her life experiences.
The 37-year-old said the book, entitled Sorrow Of My Native Land, was her way of thanking her parents for their sacrifice and courage in bringing their children to Australia.
``I was eight when revolution erupted in Iran,'' Ms Serov said. ``My parents joined the movement with the belief they were demonstrating for democracy in Iran.
``Four years later, under the threat of being caught by the Komiteh, they devised a bold plan to escape.
``We were caught by the Turkish border guards as soon as we crossed and spent 14 nights in a cramped cell with five other refugees while our fate was being decided.''
Ms Serov and her family finally managed to get their passports and visas back and flew into Australia in August, 1982.
``I had no idea about Australia or where it was,'' she said.
To order a copy of the book, email to serov@iinet.net.au. Ms Serov will hold an author's talk at Holroyd Library (Merrylands branch) on Tuesday, March 6, at 6pm.
