The Happiest Refugee: A Memoir
Nov 2011 · Allen & Unwin
4.7star
377 reviewsreport
Ebook
304
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About this ebook
The bestselling, laugh-out-loud, reach for your hanky story of one of Australia's best-loved comedians - now in hard cover gift edition.
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.
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.
Ratings and reviews
4.7
377 reviews
A Google user
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December 31, 2011
this book truly touched my heart. I felt the the happiness and the sadness of this story. I cried and laughed. It left me feeling grateful for my own life and family and guilty for having too much or ever complaining. Im very grateful that Anh Do was able to give me the opportunity to read this and now Im reflecting on the ways I can contribute more to our society. What a precious piece of writing. Im really looking forward to hunting down his previous work and I look forward very much to the screenplay.
A Google user
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July 15, 2012
Easy to read story of growing up in Australia. He makes you realise you can accomplish great things, no matter where you come from. Very inspirational :)
A Google user
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November 4, 2015
I read this book about a month ago. I tore through it in 3 days. Best book I've ever read. I wouldn't say it's extremely well written, but what an amazing story. Being the child of migrants, I found it easy to relate to and made me appreciate the journey of my parents and grandparents before them. Such an inspirational read. And funny too. I literally laughed and cried at times. I'm not kidding, this book has changed my outlook on life.
1 person found this review helpful
About the author
Anh Do is one of Australia's leading comedians. He has also acted in television series and films, written screenplays and is a sought-after keynote speaker.
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