The Happiest Refugee: My Journey From Tragedy To Comedy

Author: Anh Do

Stock information

General Fields

  • : 32.99 AUD
  • : 9781742372389
  • : Allen & Unwin
  • : Allen & Unwin
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  • : 0.354
  • : September 2010
  • : 232mm X 153mm
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  • : 32.99
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  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Anh Do
  • : Paperback
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Barcode 9781742372389
9781742372389

Description

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.

Promotion info

The laugh-out-loud, reach-for-your-hanky story of one of Australia's best-loved comedians.

Awards

Winner of Australian Independent Booksellers Indie Awards: Best Australian Book 2011 and Australian Independent Booksellers Indie Awards: Non-Fiction 2011 and Nielsen BookData Booksellers Choice Award 2011. Shortlisted for NSW Premier's Literary Awards: Community Relations Commission Award 2011.