The laugh-out-loud, reach-for-your-hanky story of one of Australia's best-loved comedians.
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.
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A funny and heart-warming memoir from well known
and loved comedian, Ahn Do. His story details the
heartache and struggles endured by refugees in the
journey to find freedom and opportunity, and reminds
us to be grateful for our safety and security here in
Australia. - Maisie (QBD)
Guest, 24/01/2019
The Happiest Refugee
This is the inspirational story about Anh Do's journey from Vietnam to Australia. The highs and the lows and the sacrifice his mother made in order to give her family a good life. It's his journey from near poverty to becoming a successful famous comedian. The book is well written, as it's a serious topic but is still is told in a humourous way which brings out the comedian in Anh Do. This book will make you sad but by the end of it, it will make you smile. Reviewed by 01cg.
QBD, 10/09/2014
THE HAPPIEST REFUGEE
An incredibly remarkable tale of bravery from a little Vietnamese boy who is now one of Australia's most loved comedians. Ahn will have you crying with grief and in fits of laughter. A must read by all. Reviewed by 30ti
QBD, 18/08/2014
Loved it!
Great book! I read the book in a day, staying up till 1am to finish it. So compelling and conversational at the same time. Its like the author is speaking to you telling you his life story. My grandfather was a refugee from Poland and I really related to the themes of alienation in this book. 5 stars.
Guest, 03/09/2010
