The Happiest Refugee

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

WINNER, Indie Awards, Book of the Year
WINNER, Australian Book Industry Awards, Book of the Year
WINNER, Booksellers' Choice Award

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.

'This really is a page-turner of laughter and tears.' Courier-Mail

'When you think you're about to die from laughing, Do wrenches your heartstrings so hard that within an instant you're on the brink of crying' Australian Bookseller and Publisher

'Funny and moving, it tells the story of our times.' The Age

'Had me up all night reading ... it is a ripper.' Leon Compton, ABC Radio

'I laughed, I cried ... such an inspiring book.' David Koch, Sunrise

'The work of a truly gifted storyteller and one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year.' Alex Miller, Miles Franklin Award winner

'Anh's story is truly remarkable.' Melissa Doyle, Sunrise

'It's like a Vietnamese Angela's Ashes.' Simon Beaumont, 6PR Radio

'A truly lovely memoir ... great pathos and humour, and a straight-talking style.' Daily Telegraph

'A BELTER of a book. I've been at the National Library for ten years: I've had to read a lot of books ... this is one of the best!' Heidi Pritchard

'The most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years.' Russell Crowe