Preview
  • The Happiest Refugee

  • By: Anh Do
  • Narrated by: Anh Do
  • Length: 6 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (39 ratings)

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The Happiest Refugee

By: Anh Do
Narrated by: Anh Do
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Publisher's summary

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 Ltd
  • Unabridged Audiobook
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Editorial 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, 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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The Happiest Refugee

Such a heartwarming affirmation of life even in the face of adversity. A delightful read!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story

A random pick what a great story not really a comedy but more about an amazing family journey, it also tells you so much about attitude. Loved it hoping I can get my kids to read or listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Despite narration and writing shortfalls

Anh is pretty poor as a narrator, and the story is all over the place in time, pacing, completeness, description. Strangely, none of that seems to matter. This is one of the best listens that I have come across in a long time. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A beautiful story that I can relate

Recommended bedtime listen - guaranteed laughs every chapter. If you’re an immigrant you’ll relate if you’re curious you’ll learn

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

This was utterly heartwarming and so funny

I must admit that I have a thing that when I do non fiction I have to do it in one sitting; this book I finished in one day in between uni classes.
Anh makes me enthused to continue perusing performance, even though I'm doing a degree I don't want a job in.
God bless Anh Do and your family <3 May you all keep laughing and loving.

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