POSTED: 11 SEPTEMBER 2010

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 the country they had dreamed about.

Life in Australia was hard — a seemingly 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, who was named 2005 Young Australian of the Year, 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 from high school and then university.

Another inspiration was a 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.

*Based on media release issued by Allen & Unwin.

PUBLISHING DETAILS

Anh Do, The Happiest Refugee | 304pp paperback | $32.99 | Published by Allen & Unwin.