The Happiest Refugee: A Memoir

· Allen & Unwin
4.7
372 reviews
Ebook
304
Pages
Eligible

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.

Ratings and reviews

4.7
372 reviews
A Google user
March 13, 2012
This book hits so close to home with me - although i'm not a refugee, i totally understand how it feels to see your parents working so hard to give you a brighter future, especially coming from am asian background. I loved reading this book, it was so humbling, honest and funny. I couldnt put it down and after two days i've finished the whole book! I dont ever remember reading a book that has made me laugh out loud, but this one has. Highly recommended it!
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Vince Pham
November 22, 2014
Im vietnamese so I had tears when I read Anhs truly remarkable story because we are about the same age so my journey to Australia from Vietnam was very similar. I could easily relate to his experiences of fleeing war torn Vietnam. What he has done with his life in his adopted country has been phenomenal. This is a must read for anyone out there who is motivated and inspired by others who had the courage tenacity and the spirit of determination and used those qualities to amend their lives.
7 people found this review helpful
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A Google user
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.
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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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