The Happiest Refugee
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The Happiest Refugee
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Narrated by:
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Anh Do
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By:
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Anh Do
About this listen
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 backbreaking 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 13 - 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 hear it.
©2010 Anh Do (P)2017 Bolinda Publishing Pty LtdEditorial reviews
You may know him from his television series, his stint on Dancing with the Stars, or his long career as a comedian and author. In The Happiest Refugee, Ahn Do gives a rendition as you'd expect, narrating his own life story and bringing it to life with his recognisable voice and familiar sense of humour. Exploring the perils he faced while immigrating, the struggle to make a life for himself in Australia and the glimmer of eventual stardom, this listen blends joy, tragedy and honest insight in a way that underscores the nature of true perseverance.
Winning numerous awards, including the 2011 Australian Book of the Year, The Happiest Refugee will bring you closer to the Do you know as a successful comedian, author and star. Be prepared to laugh, cry and laugh until you cry.
What listeners say about The Happiest Refugee
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 🦋 Percyville 🦋
- 30-04-2018
Inspirational Story
I loved this book from cover to cover. A family history of strength, courage, devotion and love. Thank you Anh Do for the down to earth person you are and for us to appreciate life in general. Beautifully written.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 16-10-2021
A beautiful listen
I really enjoyed listening to this Audiobook. The underlying theme of determination, love, courage and faith was told so well by Anh himself.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 15-02-2022
This is the best book year 9 boys at east preston
The students of 9B at our school EPIC have come to the conclusion that this is the best book they've read, even better than the boy over board which is said to be the worst book they've read-Bilaal Hassan.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 20-04-2019
Loved this beautifully written memoir.
As I listened to Anh Do read his book The happiness refugee, I found myself making any excuse to drive in Sydney’s awful traffic. This was so I could continue listening to Anh’s family memoirs of hardship, love and forgiveness.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 19-07-2019
loved it
loved it some good chuckles some tears I really enjoyed his story and his love for his mum
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Greatthinking
- 02-09-2019
Amazing story
This is a great story. I enjoyed the book and feel like I understand Anh quite a lot more.
I think it could have been made even better wig more descriptive language. There were some extremely monumental moments that were a little undercooked in the way the story was told.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- V Carr
- 26-09-2019
What a fantastic journey, loved every minute of it
Amazing true story full of laughter, sadness and inspiration. Only more impacting, being read by the author.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. - Virginia
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 31-01-2020
Inspiring and endearing
My husband and I listened to this on a road trip and really enjoyed it! It made us laugh, cringe, hold our breath, sigh with relief and have a greater appreciation for the hardships that other people experience. Anh Do narrated this himself, which added extra charm to the stories. I highly recommend it!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Allison
- 09-02-2020
Great story!
tears and laughter followed by more years and laughter. an amazingly upbeat attitude whilst growing up as a poor migrant in Australia.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 12-02-2022
Sweet, joyful, entertaining inspiring read
A perfect pandemic pick me up.
This is a story that will resonate with many Australians and perhaps open the eyes of others.
Read this funny story to rekindle your belief in others and get a glimpse at how gratefulness, community and love is all we need for a successful and joyful life.
On a personal level, as a first gen Australian and daughter of refugees who worked really hard this gave me much food for thought.
Inspiring. Thank you to the Author and his mother!
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