Anh Do nearly didn't make it to Australia. His entire family came close to losing their lives on the sea as they escaped from war-torn Vietnam in an overcrowded boat. But nothing - not murderous pirates, nor the imminent threat of death by hunger, disease or dehydration as they drifted for days - could quench their desire to make a better life in a country where freedom existed.
Life in Australia was hard, an endless succession of back-breaking work, crowded rooms, ruthless landlords and make-do everything. But there was a loving extended family, and always friends and play and something to laugh about for Anh, his brother Khoa and their sister Tram. Things got harder when their father left home when Anh was thirteen - they felt his loss very deeply and their mother struggled to support the family on her own. His mother's sacrifice was an inspiration to Anh and he worked hard during his teenage years to help her make ends meet, also managing to graduate high school and then university.
Another inspiration was the comedian Anh met when he was about to sign on for a 60-hour a week corporate job. Anh asked how many hours he worked. 'Four,' the answer came back, and that was it. He was going to be a comedian!
The Happiest Refugee tells the incredible, uplifting and inspiring life story of one of our favourite personalities. Tragedy, humour, heartache and unswerving determination - a big life with big dreams. Anh's story will move and amuse all who read it.
By:
Anh Do Imprint: Allen & Unwin Country of Publication: Australia Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 153mm,
Spine: 232mm
Weight: 368g ISBN:9781742372389 ISBN 10: 1742372384 Pages: 240 Publication Date:01 September 2010 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
Shortlisted for Nielsen BookData Booksellers Choice Award 2011.
Shortlisted for NSW Premier's Literary Awards: Community Relations Commission Award 2011.
Winner of Australian Independent Booksellers Indie Awards: Best Australian Book 2011.
Winner of Australian Independent Booksellers Indie Awards: Non-Fiction 2011.
Winner of Book of the Year 2011 (Australia)
Winner of Nielsen BookData Booksellers Choice Award 2011.
